Circular Economy

In order to preserve valuable natural resources for future generations and conserve biodiversity, we need to drive the transition to a Circular Economy. Closed-loop, circular economic models reincorporate materials into production cycles to reduce resource exploitation and ensure that we are able to live healthier, more sustainable lives.

Spotlight on SEED Award Winners: The BIMG Beacon Projects Report 2024 showcases SEED Award Winner and Runner-up Enterprises

Published: 29 February 2024Authors: Daniela Tonelli
The BIMG Beacon Projects Report 2024 highlights the pioneering efforts of SEED Award Winner and Runner-up Enterprises in tackling environmental and social challenges while driving business innovation. From Zambia's forest-conserving honey production to Indonesia's mycelium-based leather substitute, these enterprises exemplify the transformative power of sustainable business models in addressing global issues. Read more

Insights from the case Studies in Uganda and South Africa

Published: 05 February 2024
At SEED, our commitment to fostering the transition to a circular economy is unwavering, and we firmly believe that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) can be instrumental game-changers in this transformative journey. Recognising their potential to curtail carbon emissions, manage waste efficiently, and contribute to community education, we are excited to unveil a compelling series of case study videos focusing on four exemplary circular enterprises in Uganda and South Africa. Read more

SEED: 2023 Highlights

Published: 20 December 2023
We have been hard at work supporting SMEs and promoting their crucial role in advancing sustainable and eco-friendly future, as well as fostering the transition to a circular economy. We are delighted to share some of our most meaningful achievements and activities, as we reflect on the passing year. Read more

SEED at COP28: Advocating for the role of SMEs

Published: 19 December 2023
SEED has been very active at COP28, organising 3 events, co-organising a 4th one, and contributing as to the panel of 4 other events. All had a common aim: advocating for the pivotal role of SMEs as gamechangers in the transition to circular and low-carbon economies. Read more
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SEED participates at the World Investment Forum 2023

Published: 02 November 2023
SEED contributed to two sessions on circular economy and agri-food systems during the World Investment Forum, organised by UNCTAD on the 16-20th of October in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The sessions created a platform to showcase some of the best practices and discuss possible challenges and solutions that face entrepreneurs in these fields. Read more

Spotlight on Circular Innovation: SMEs Leading the Way at WRF23 Side Event

Published: 05 October 2023
As part of the World Resources Forum 2023, SEED and the Circular Economy Catalyst, hosted by adelphi, organised a side event that put the spotlight on successful circular business models from small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Read more

Successful Eco-Inclusive SMEs from Ghana and Thailand Share Their SEED-Supported Journey

Published: 30 August 2023
At SEED, we strongly believe in the potential of local green SMEs and that their success can serve as a cornerstone for reducing carbon emissions and transitioning towards a more eco-inclusive future. SEED has been supporting numerous enterprises in Thailand and Ghana by facilitating their growth and contributions to sustainability. We are happy to present some of their successful stories that showcase our activities in Thailand and Ghana, featured in our #ThaiGreenSMEs and #GhanaGreenSMEs social media campaigns. Read more
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Jobs Redesigned: Exploring Circular Economy Solutions in the Private Sector

Published: 29 August 2023Authors: Paula Cros Marchena
SEED and the Circular Economy Catalyst, hosted by adelphi, are organising a side event as part of the World Resources Forum 2023 Read more

First SEED TVET Training of Trainers

Published: 29 August 2023
Last month, we piloted the first SEED TVET Training of Trainers on Eco-Inclusive and Climate Change Adaptation Entrepreneurship at Linde Hotel in Mponela, Malawi. Read more
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Eco-Inclusive SMEs facilitating transformative change at HLPF 2023

Published: 19 July 2023
At the occasion of HLPF 2023, an event on "Eco-Inclusive SMEs facilitating transformative change for Nature, Climate, Circular- and Agrifood-Systems delivering towards the SDGs" was organised by SEED and the Government of Flanders. With localising the SDGs being one of the main focuses of HLPF 2023, the SEED event was probably the only one involving SMEs, delivering on the ground with and for local communities, facilitating needed transformative change for resilient ecosystems and societies, and for a green economy. Read more

SEED Contributed to the Arab Region Global Sustainable Development Report (GSDR) 2023

Published: 31 January 2023Authors: Supapim Wannopas
Urgent action is needed to secure the environmental commons, reverse environmental degradation, and support human well-being. The role of Green SMEs in this process cannot be overstated, as they have the potential to bring about positive societal change for a resilient future. Read more
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Advocating for the role of eco-inclusive MSMEs

Published: 26 January 2023
With the aim to further promote eco-inclusive entrepreneurship and advocate for the role of the SMEs in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), SEED has been invited to join and contribute to a few major events: United Nations Regional Consultation for the Arab Region & United Nations Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific. Read more
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SEED 20th anniversary celebration in India

Published: 09 December 2022
SEED celebrated 10 years of support for India’s transition to low-carbon and green economy since 2013 and the inauguration of the SEED India Hub in 2020. Read more
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Sustainable Local Procurement | Policy Brief Indonesia

Published: 01 December 2022Authors: Ade Afrilian, Camilla Shearman, Ivy Londa, Rizky Anugrah
The involvement of local MSMEs that provide sustainable goods and services in government procurement systems can drive the transition to a sustainable economy, provide job opportunities and local economic development, and accelerate the recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. Read more
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Sustainable Local Procurement | Policy Brief Indonesia (Bahasa Indonesia)

Published: 01 December 2022Authors: Ade Afrilian, Camilla Shearman, Ivy Londa, Rizky Anugrah
Keterlibatan UMKM lokal yang menyediakan barang dan jasa berkelanjutan dalam sistem pengadaan barang dan jasa pemerintah dapat mendorong transisi menuju perekonomian berkelanjutan, memberikan lapangan kerja dan pengembangan ekonomi lokal, serta mempercepat pemulihan dari pandemi Covid-19 Read more
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SEED 20 Years Celebration in Malawi

Published: 29 November 2022
A celebration was held at Bingu International Conference Centre to mark the 20th anniversary of the SEED programme and the launch of the Biodiversity Finance Accelerator (BioFA) project in Malawi. The event brought together eco-inclusive and biodiversity enterprises supported by SEED and BioFA programmes, as well as supporters and implementing partners in the climate-smart entrepreneurship space. Read more
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Practitioner Labs: Green Finance for Climate Adaptation & Biodiversity

Published: 29 November 2022
The Biodiversity Finance Accelerator (BioFA) in collaboration with SEED hosted Practitioner Labs: Green Finance for Climate Adaptation & Biodiversity in Malawi. The Practitioner Labs aimed to facilitate a hands-on process that results in targeted green finance solutions, which support the growth of MSMEs that are actively delivering biodiversity solutions and championing climate adaptation efforts across their value chains. Read more
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SEED-Insights from COP27

Published: 14 November 2022
On 10 and 11 November, 2022, SEED hosted several high-level events during COP27. SEED presented the Sustainable SME Action Agenda, a joint SEED, GO4SDGs and UNEP Report outlining the critical next steps of action to scale Green SME Support. Finally, the Coalition for Innovation, Circularity and Entrepreneurship was launched, a catalyser for scale up and impact. Read more
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Sustainable SME Action Agenda

Published: 10 November 2022Authors: Arab Hoballah, Mirko Zürker, Simon Mühlbauer
To scale Green SME Support for 2030, SEED, GO4SDGs and UNEP jointly build on their collective experiences to formulate lessons learned and critical next steps to inform this Sustainable SME Action Agenda. Validated through a global consultation process involving key regional SME Stakeholder, this Action Agenda outlines critical next steps to empower the micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and build forward better. Read more
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Join us at COP27 in Sharm-El-Sheikh

Published: 01 November 2022
From 9th – 11th November, 2022, SEED will host and participate in several high-level events during COP27. SEED will host and participate in several side-events to highlight the potential and raise awareness about the challenges for eco-inclusive small and medium-sized enterprises, the gamechangers of on-the-ground climate action, as well as the need and opportunities for scale up and impact through the “Coalition for Innovation, Circularity and Entrepreneurship”. Read more
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Insights from the LAC Future Lab for Innovation and Policy

Published: 18 October 2022
On October 13th 2022, SEED and GO4SDGs organised the Latin America and the Caribbean Future Lab for Innovation and Policy. The event was organised as part of the Global Future Lab series, bringing together around 30 regional SME stakeholders, such as policy makers, intermediaries and SMEs to co-create and develop future-proof solution. Designed to connect and leverage the expertise of these key stakeholders, the outcome of the Future Labs will inform a Sustainable SME Action Agenda. Read more
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Insights from the Asia Future Lab for Innovation and Policy

Published: 04 October 2022
On October 4th 2022, SEED and GO4SDGs organised the Asia Future Lab for Innovation and Policy. The event was organised as part of the Global Future Lab series, bringing together around 30 regional SME stakeholders, such as policy makers, intermediaries and SMEs to co-create and develop future-proof solution. Designed to connect and leverage the expertise of these key stakeholders, the outcome of the Future Labs will inform a Sustainable SME Action Agenda. Read more
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Enhancing Green Finance Access for Green Growth

Published: 26 September 2022Authors: Aaron Werikhe, Anna Amumpiire, Barbara Ntambirweki, John Okiira, Ronald Kaggwa, Sonya Ong
This policy landscape paper provides an overview of the state of green finance in Uganda, an overview of the relevant legal and regulatory frameworks, and highlights the challenges to accessing (by MSMEs) and delivering (by banks and finance institutions) green finance in Uganda. Read more
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Insights from the West Asia Future Lab for Innovation and Policy

Published: 26 September 2022
On September 20th 2022, SEED and GO4SDGs, together with the West Asia Sustainable Fashion Academy, organised the West Asia Future Lab for Innovation and Policy. The event was organised as part of the Global Future Lab series, bringing together around 30 regional SME stakeholders, such as policy makers, intermediaries and SMEs to co-create and develop future-proof solution. Designed to connect and leverage the expertise of these key stakeholders, the outcome of the Future Labs will inform a Sustainable SME Action Agenda. Read more
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LAC Future Lab for Innovation and Policy

Published: 15 September 2022
SEED and Go4SDGs organise the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) Future Lab for Innovation and Policy. As part of the Global Future Lab series, the event will bring together regional policy makers, intermediaries and SMEs to co-create and develop future-proof solutions. Designed to connect and leverage the expertise of key green SME stakeholders, the Global Future Labs will inform a New Green SME Action Agenda. Read more
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