Small businesses are integral to climate-change mitigation and adaptation, particularly in the developing world. But international policymakers and financial institutions routinely overlook their contribution, jeopardizing us all.
In September 2021, The Lemelson Foundation and ANDE partnered to produce a new report, Climate Entrepreneurship in Developing Economies: Funder Perspectives on Approaches, Challenges, and Opportunities. In an exclusive interview following this publication, Executive Director Rob Schneider, Program Officer Maggie Flanagan, and Communications Officer Pam Kahl share more insights and calls to action for other funders. As the world gathers for COP26, this is particularly important.
Small businesses not only create jobs, but also can develop and deliver solutions to help us get to net zero faster. ANDE’s vision is where small and growing businesses are fully supported to optimize their role in mitigation efforts, local adaptation, and support a just economic transition.
Guest post by ANDE member Enviu. No matter how bold our impact goals, if they can’t be measured, we’re building in the dark.
Thanks to our wonderful ANDE members, this year's conference agenda was purposefully created around the conference theme: Connect, Learn, and Inspire. We enjoyed 6 workshops, 13 showcases, 2 entrepreneur journeys sessions, 12 topics for café conversations, numerous speed networking sessions, and 26 booths at the first-ever ANDE Expo.
As part of The U.S. Agency for International Development’s Guatemala Entrepreneurship and Development Innovation initiative, companies and private sector partners have committed $31 million to support entrepreneurs and businesses that can increase access to renewable energy and improve agriculture, water and sanitation, health, and education.
USAID will provide an additional $7.5 million in funding to the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs towork with its dozens of member incubators, accelerators, and financial institutions in the region to provide direct support and capital to farmers, entrepreneurs and business owners.