COMPONENT 1
Innovation and green transition of SMEs
Component 1's main objective is to promote sustainable growth and job creation by supporting the transition of Latin American SMEs towards a low-carbon, resource-efficient and more circular economy.
The projects implemented under Component 1 encourage small and medium-sized enterprises in the region to adopt less polluting and more efficient products, processes and services, while countries adopt more sustainable consumption patterns.
projects
We operate in 15 countries in Latin America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
Our management is based on two fundamental pillars that not only reflect our commitment to a sustainable green transition, but also seek to promote the growth strategy of SMEs and small producers in the Latin American region.
Pillars of work
The Forest conservation and biodiversity protection are key aspects of sustainable development. That is why our projects focus on promoting agricultural systems and value chains that operate without resorting to deforestation.
Through the management of partnership projects, we are committed to promoting innovative and sustainable agricultural practices that preserve natural ecosystems. and benefit various sectors such as coffee, cocoa, beekeeping, fruit, forestry, cattle and leather. In addition, our projects comply with the EU's free deforestation product regulation.
We drive the transition towards business models that are low carbon, resource efficient and therefore promote circularity. The AL-INVEST Verde programme recognises the need to rethink traditional paradigms of design, production and consumption, adopting instead business practices that promote innovation, energy efficiency and the reuse of resources. All of this in order to reduce the environmental footprint and contribute to climate change mitigation.
The implementation of the partnership projects promoted by AL-INVEST Verde benefits various industrial and service sectors while inducing the adoption of good sustainability practices, implementation of protocols and certifications, among others. The sectors covered include a wide range of sectors such as textile manufacturing, construction, the chemical and automotive industries, services such as waste management, raw material recovery and sustainable tourism. There are also projects with a multi-sectoral approach to optimise the use of plastics and packaging.
implementation areas
Component 1 works in various value chains—such as agriculture, coffee, cocoa, avocado, livestock, industry, circular economy, textiles, honey, and tourism, among others—to promote sustainable production practices and strengthen SMEs and small producers in the region.
IMPLEMENTATION METHODOLOGY
Key facts
60 months. The programme started in December 2021 and will end in November 2026.
Through financial support to partnership projects between Latin American and EU organisations, following selection through Calls for Proposals.
The maximum funding from European funds for the projects submitted is €300,000, and the minimum is €250,000.
Up to 80% of the eligible costs of grant projects.
We manage funds for financing green economy projects that arise from partnerships between business organisations in Latin America and the European Union. These projects are aimed at promoting the development of small and medium-sized enterprises in the region, expanding their marketing opportunities under the new standards and regulations of the European Union.
The funds were awarded through calls for proposals, in which interested institutions submitted their projects. Following an evaluation process, 67 initiatives were selected to form part of the AL-INVEST Verde programme and have received funding from the European Union.
IMPLEMENTING CONSORTIUM
This component is led by sequa, an organisation that implements cooperation projects and programmes worldwide, with headquarters in Bonn, Germany.
This implementation is supported by various organisations that together form a consortium.
Co-financing
Component 1 is co-financed by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, which promotes economic development through international cooperation programmes and partnerships.
Partner institutions
