We create long-term economic opportunities for communities most vulnerable to
climate change, supporting their wellbeing and financial security. We aim to enable
rural economies to adapt to climate pressures and build resilient livelihoods.
The challenge
In many countries, small businesses form the core of local economies and their communities. However, they often struggle to thrive because of multiple barriers, including shortages of capital and know-how, and limited access to markets.
Climate change adds to the challenge, bringing risks such as shifting temperature and rainfall patterns and extreme weather events – especially in the agricultural sector – and rising demand for low-carbon and climate-resilient products and services.
Our response
Investments in jobs, MSMEs, and access to clean energy for communities are key ingredients of a fair and just transition. These investments contribute to enhancing economic development and prosperity for all.
ln developing countries, micro, small and medium Enterprises generate 33% of GDP
GREEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP
MSMEs generate as much as 33% of GDP in developing countries. They are therefore uniquely positioned to create jobs, unlock local solutions that drive climate adaptation, and build resilience to climate change.
We invest in making MSME operations more resilient to climate risks. In addition, we support MSMEs to develop and bring to market new green business and climate adaptation solutions that benefit vulnerable populations.
Related partnerships
Building the climate resilience of communities in the cities of Southern Africa
Clearing minefields to enable sustainable livelihoods and nature conservation in Angola
Strengthening communities braced for floods, cyclones, droughts and heatwaves
Developing climate-proofing solutions for resilient businesses in emerging markets
Accelerating innovations for climate adaptation
Accelerating the growth and impact of community-led conservation in Africa
Protecting coastal ecosystems for people and nature
Supporting loans to social enterprises serving Indigenous communities
Building sustainable forest industries in developing countries
Responding rapidly and effectively to humanitarian crises
Helping farmers thrive in climate- and conflict-affected countries in Africa
Partnering with rural businesses to power community resilience
Scaling up community-led ecosystem-based adaptation
Equipping youth for the green economy
Securing Mongolia’s grasslands and herders in the face of climate change
Building climate resilience and addressing crises for at-risk populations
Scaling up fair and equitable nature-based finance for communities
Enabling climate-resilient entrepreneurship in conflict-affected countries
Securing a sustainable future for the coral reefs of the Sulu-Sulawesi Sea
Scaling up catalytic solutions for climate-resilient food systems in Africa
Lifting pastoral women and youth out of poverty through community-based natural resource management
Helping community enterprises in the Amazon to access markets
Boosting employment opportunities for youth in Huelva and Seville
Supporting climate adaptation in Northern Central America
Creating a responsive and fair labour market for Egyptian youth
High-quality carbon projects for people and nature
Empowering disconnected youth so they can achieve their potential
The International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) assists seafarers and their families and campaigns for greater rights for maritime workers.
Empowering Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners
Strengthening business and climate resilience for 15 cocoa enterprises to accelerate inclusive economic growth
Empowering communities to develop sustainable livelihoods
Fair and equitable carbon finance for vulnerable communities
Boosting decent employment opportunities for Vietnam’s disadvantaged youth
Improving the safe and effective delivery of health services for vulnerable populations
Connecting remote populations and unlocking their potential to thrive
Improving smallholder farmer livelihoods by strengthening cooperatives in the coffee, cocoa and honey sectors
resilience


