Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make a significant contribution to the global economy, create jobs and offer disadvantaged actors a sustainable way out of poverty. In addition, they have great potential to contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation.
As hosting partner of SEED, adelphi carries out this project financed by the International Climate Initiative of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU). The project combines the comprehensive and systematic strengthening of capacities and capabilities for socially inclusive and climate-friendly SMEs with the promotion of favourable financial and political conditions. Thus, the project helps small and growing climate-smart enterprises to bridge the missing middle finance gap
Between 2013 and 2022, outstanding SMEs contributing to climate change mitigation or adaptation from the target countries Colombia, India, Vietnam, Tanzania and Uganda and from 2019 onwards also from Ghana, South Africa, Thailand and Indonesia are awarded with the SEED Low Carbon Award. The winners are supported by the SEED network, receive short-term advice on their business development, and are brought together with potential partners and sponsors. To date, hundreds of enterprises have received business development support through innovative face-to-face and online formats.
Furthermore, adelphi works with service providers and financiers to integrate the needs of inclusive and climate-friendly SMEs into funding and financial instruments.
