ABOUT THE
COMPONENT 1
Innovation and green transition of SMEs
The main objective of Component 1 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. Projects implemented under Component 1 guide small and medium-sized enterprises in the region to adopt cleaner and more efficient products, processes and services, while countries adopt more sustainable consumption patterns.
PILLARS OF WORK
Component 1 focuses on two fundamental pillars. These pillars not only outline our commitment to a sustainable green transition, but also seek to contribute to the growth strategy of SMEs and small producers in the Latin American region.
The forest conservation and biodiversity protection are key aspects of sustainable development. Our projects therefore 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.
Innovative Partnership Projects for the green transition of SMEs
Component 1 manages funds for the financing of green economy projects arising from the partnership between Latin American organisations and the European Union. These projects aim to promote the development of small and medium-sized enterprises in the region, expanding their marketing possibilities under the new EU standards and regulations.
The funds were awarded through Calls for Proposals, in which interested institutions submitted their projects. After an evaluation process, 66 initiatives were selected and are now part of the AL-INVEST Verde programme and have accessed EU funding.
The programme is implemented in countries such as Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.
KEY DATA
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 projects submitted is EUR 300,000, and the minimum is EUR 250,000.
Up to 80% of the eligible costs of grant projects.
