Multiple actors (ASEAN, OECD) have recognised the critical importance of eco-inclusive small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) during the Covid-19 pandemic in ensuring ongoing employment. SMEs make up a significant portion  of worldwide economies and communities. Such enterprises are impacted negatively by the pandemic, but are also key in driving local green and inclusive growth.

Hence, governments, donors and international players put them at the heart of their green and fair recovery packages. This in turn means the success and responsibility of green recovery is now also largely dependent on actors such as governments and donors supporting and guiding green enterprises. These organisations and programmes will be essential in building a resilient SME sector by providing business training, access to markets, networks and mentors, financial and social capital, and in-kind support. 

SEED is now launching a programme in Africa to maximise the impact of Covid-19 related enterprise support and build a growing network of ecosystem builders at country level in the process, and launches the same programme in Southeast Asia in partnership with Yunus Thailand.

The Green Recovery Ecosystem Builder Programme is tailored for participants from Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam for the Southeast Asia cohort and for all participants from Africa for the Africa Cohort who lead programmes or departments and are responsible for the successful implementation of enterprise support services. Capacity building institutions and implementers from across Southeast Asia and Africa will work together within their respective cohorts in a case-based peer-learning process to advance potential or existing support programmes using hands-on tools addressing organisational challenges at hand. With these measures, SEED hopes to empower participants to bring a green recovery angle to their enterprise support and pioneer new approaches. 

Apply by October 16 for the Green Recovery Ecosystem Builder Programme in Southeast Asia

Apply by October 23 for the Green Recovery Ecosystem Builder Programme in Africa

to benefit from guided expertise and a network of like-minded peers.