Reports

Our Reports reflect the SEED programme’s commitment to research which bolsters multi-stakeholder support for eco-inclusive entrepreneurship. We have gathered extensive evidence over the years of the effectiveness of entrepreneurship as a mechanism for achieving global sustainable development objectives. These insights and evidence are contained in our reports which increase knowledge-sharing among eco-inclusive enterprises; and, improve global understandings of how social and environmental start-ups grow, which barriers they face and the significant contributions of these enterprises to sustainable development

Beyond impact: Eco-inclusive enterprises advancing the SDGs

Published: 17 January 2020
Small and growing enterprises are key drivers of development and employment. They account for 50% of the jobs globally, and contribute well over 35% towards the GDP of emerging economies. SEED particularly supports eco-inclusive enterprises; small, micro and medium-sized enterprises operating at the community level. They offer innovative solutions to common social and environmental issues, but also strengthen local economies. But what exactly is their impact? Can we quantify it, and how do we stimulate it?

Have a look at our 2020 SEED Impact Snapshot, a snapshot of the impact of Asia an Africa based eco-inclusive enterprises on the SDGs. Read more
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Modest in Size, Potentially Huge in Impact: Leveraging Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) for Climate Action

Published: 23 December 2019Authors: Jonas Restle-Steinert, Kathrin Kirsch, Linde Wolters, Maggie Sloan, Rainer Agster, Tobias Hausotter
Despite the goals put forward in the Paris Agreement and commitments by countries in their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is rising (WMO 2019). It is, therefore, more important than ever for countries to step up their ambition and NDC commitments in 2020. The COP25 climate negotiations will pave the way for the next year and the NDC update processes. These open up the opportunity to acknowledge a modest yet potentially impactful group of players for ambitious climate action: small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Read more
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Policy pathways for eco-inclusive enterprise support in Malawi | Policy Landscape Paper

Published: 01 April 2019Authors: Benita Rose, Christine Meyer
The transition to a green, inclusive, and climate-smart Malawi requires collaborative efforts from the public sector, civil society, and the private sector. Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are important drivers of growth in Malawi, particularly in emerging economies, andmaking cross-sector partnerships are critical to co-creatinge an enabling environment for enterprises with inclusive and climate-smart business models.

This input paper provides a snapshot of the ecosystem in which eco-inclusive small and growing enterprises operate. By identifying areas where further support is needed, this paper serves as an input to the SEED Policy Prototyping Programme, in which stakeholders across sectors collaborate to co-create policy instruments designed to build a more enabling ecosystem for eco-inclusive entrepreneurs. Read more
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Policy pathways for eco-inclusive enterprise support in South Africa | Policy Landscape Paper

Published: 01 April 2019Authors: Camilla Shearman, Christine Meyer, Maggie Sloan
The transition to a green, inclusive, and climate-smart South Africa requires collaborative efforts from the public sector, civil society, and private sector. As small and growing enterprises are an essential driver of growth, particularly in emerging economies, cross-sector partnerships to co-create an enabling environment for enterprises with inclusive and climate-smart business models are critical.

This policy landscape paper provides a snapshot of the ecosystem in which eco-inclusive, climate-smart small and growing enterprises operate. By identifying areas where further support is needed, this paper is connected to the SEED Policy Prototyping Programme, in which stakeholders across sectors collaborate to co-create policy instruments designed to build a more enabling ecosystem for eco-inclusive entrepreneurs. Read more
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SEED Practitioner Labs Climate Finance | India 2018

Published: 18 December 2018
The 2018 SEED Practitioner Labs Climate Finance series in India, Thailand and Uganda brought together around 200 leading practitioners to jointly prototype tangible solutions to major climate finance challenges. This report summarises the innovative climate finance products developed as part of the SEED Labs process in India in primary partnership with TARA with Grameen Capital, New Ventures and GIZ with VNV Advisory. Read more
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SEED Practitioner Labs Climate Finance | Uganda 2018

Published: 18 December 2018
The 2018 SEED Practitioner Labs Climate Finance series in India, Thailand and Uganda brought together around 200 leading practitioners to jointly prototype tangible solutions to major climate finance challenges. This report summarises the innovative climate finance products developed as part of the SEED Labs process in Uganda in primary partnership with Swisscontact, UNFCCC Regional Collaboration Centre – Kampala, and FSD Uganda with UK Aid. Read more
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SEED Practitioner Labs Climate Finance | Thailand 2018

Published: 18 December 2018
The 2018 SEED Practitioner Labs Climate Finance series in India, Thailand and Uganda brought together around 200 leading practitioners to jointly prototype tangible solutions to major climate finance challenges. This report summarises the innovative climate finance products developed as part of the SEED Labs process in Thailand in primary partnership with Global Mangrove Trust with KX, Last of Ours with KX, South Pole and RCC UNFCC/IGES with UNDP. Read more
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Longitudinal Study of Eco-Inclusive Enterprise Performance (Part II)

Published: 12 September 2018Authors: Ben Akoh, Heather Creech, Leslie Paas
This report draws insights from a three-year longitudinal study of the performance of social and environmental micro enterprises and tackles two important questions. Firstly, whether and how micro and small social and environmental enterprises make contributions to social, environmental and economic progress within their communities; and secondly, what the enabling factors and barriers towards making such contributions are. Read more
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The Landscape of Eco-inclusive Entrepreneurship in Malawi, Mozambique and Namibia: Trends, Challenges and Opportunities

Published: 01 March 2017Authors: Gabrielle Habberton, Mandisa Banjwa, Monique Davidson
One of the SEED focus areas for 2016 includes eco-inclusive entrepreneurship in Malawi, Mozambique, and Namibia. Eco-inclusive entrepreneurship is an important market-based solution for economies transitioning to sustainable growth trajectories while providing essential services for the marginalised populations of these emerging economies. This report is part of an effort to support the sector through improved research, building the track record for eco-inclusive enterprises and highlighting their ‘triple bottom line’ impact and contribution towards green growth. Read more
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Replicating Eco-Inclusive Business Models: A Contribution to Sustainable Low-Carbon Economies

Published: 01 February 2016Authors: Akash Uba, Dr. Christina Tewes-Gradl, Mariska van Gaalen, Tendai Pasipanodya
In the face of climate change, we urgently need to find pathways to a low-carbon economy. Only then can we improve the well-being of nine billion people by 2030 and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Developing countries have to leap-frog to a low-carbon economy while continuing to improve well-being. Innovative eco-inclusive enterprises are already implementing low-carbon solutions while also providing social and economic benefits to those who need them most. This study shows how the replication of eco-inclusive entrepreneurial solutions tackles the double challenge of mitigating climate change and improving well-being, therefore arguing that they should be strategically incorporated in global and national plans for achieving a low-carbon economy. Read more
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Turning Ideas into Impact: SEED 10 Year Flagship Report

Published: 08 September 2015Authors: Carolin Ehrensperger, Jana Rudnik, Jona Liebl, Mirko Zürker
Over the last ten years SEED has supported more than 200 social and environmental enterprises enabling collaboration and peer learning. SEED’s inspiring success story and significant key lessons have now been captured with a 10 Year Flagship Report. Read more

Longitudinal Study of Eco-Inclusive Enterprise Performance (Part I)

Published: 12 September 2012Authors: Heather Creech, Leslie Paas, Vivek Voora
This report draws insights from a three-year longitudinal study of the performance of social and environmental micro enterprises and tackles two important questions. Firstly, whether and how micro and small social and environmental enterprises make contributions to social, environmental and economic progress within their communities; and secondly, what the enabling factors and barriers towards making such contributions are. Read more
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2009-2011 Study of Eco-Inclusive Enterprise Performance (Year 2)

Published: 12 September 2011Authors: Heather Creech, Leslie Paas, Vivek Voora
This report draws insights from a three-year study of the performance of social and environmental micro enterprises and tackles two important questions. Firstly, whether and how micro and small social and environmental enterprises make contributions to social, environmental and economic progress within their communities; and secondly, what the enabling factors and barriers towards making such contributions are. Read more
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Establishing a Baseline for a Longitudinal Study of Eco-Inclusive Enterprise Performance

Published: 12 September 2010Authors: Heather Creech, Leslie Paas
This study provides insights into how eco-inclusive enterprises can enhance their social, environmental and business impacts and how policymakers can create a more enabling environment for such enterprises to thrive. Read more

Typologies for Eco-Inclusive Partnerships

Published: 12 September 2008Authors: Heather Creech, Leslie Paas
This paper suggests that developing partnership management is one critical success factor for social and environmental entrepreneurs but is not the defining modus operandi. It presents seven other critical success factors based on empirical evidence gathered from eco-inclusive enterprises.  Read more
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Success Factors and Performance Measures for Eco-Inclusive Enterprises

Published: 12 September 2008Authors: David Boyer, Heather Creech, Leslie Paas
Eight critical success factors and fourteen performance indicators have been identified through the investigation of SEED Winners and other social and environmental entrepreneurs. Read more

Scale-Up and Replication of Eco-Inclusive Enterprises

Published: 12 September 2008Authors: Heather Creech
This paper explores how the international development community approaches scale-up and replication, and in particular its role in supporting start-up social and environmental enterprises with a view to expanding their business and their social and environmental impacts. Read more
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Partnerships for Sustainable Development

Published: 12 September 2006Authors: Julia Steets
 This report discusses trends and cross-cutting themes related to partnerships such as funding, organisation and accountability. Read more
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The Contributions of Locally-Driven Partnerships

Published: 12 September 2005Authors: Julia Steets
This report includes interpretation and commentary to stimulate debate on the role and potential of locally-driven partnerships for sustainable development. Read more
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Entrepreneurial Partnerships for Sustainable Development

Published: 11 September 2005Authors: Julia Steets
This paper provides an analysis of the partnerships which applied to the SEED Awards in 2005 and demonstrates the wide variety of locally-driven entrepreneurial partnerships with the potential to contribute to sustainable development. Read more
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