Business Development

Eco-Biz Challenge

Welcoming participants to the EcoBiz Challenge workshop in Selayar, Indonesia Photo: A Phelan

WHAT KIND OF TOOL IS IT?

The Eco-Biz Challenge is business plan competition, including business skills training, to encourage businesses that are environmentally and socially sustainable.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT PARTS TO IT?

• A business plan competition
• Business skills training
• A Facilitators’ Kit contains all materials needed to deliver the competition and the business skills training (background, logistics, training and participants’ materials)

WHAT DOES IT DO?

The Eco-Biz Challenge identifies local entrepreneurs and assists them in starting or expanding businesses that support the local economy, as well as ecosystem services. It expands the pool of local talent, knowledge and creativity to find and incubate eco-friendly business ideas, and boost enterprise development.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Applicants submit a business concept summary which outlines their proposed business idea. The idea must operate in the local area, employ local residents, and be environmentally sustainable. The top 25% applicants will be selected as semi-finalists and will receive a three-day business plan training course. The semi-finalists will then be required to submit a formal proposal. Winners are selected and receive a one-time equity grant to start or expand their business concepts and mitigate start-up risks.

WHEN IS IT USED?

The Eco-Biz Challenge is used when there is a need to encourage enterprise development and sustainable livelihoods to address economic and environmental challenges.

WHO IS THE TARGET END-USER?

• Local governments
• NGOs
• Chambers of commerce and industry
• Social-enterprise and private sector leaders
• Universities and institutes

IN WHAT FORMAT IS IT AVAILABLE?

The Facilitators’ Kit is presented as PowerPoint, Word and PDF files.

WHERE DO YOU ACCESS THE TOOL?

Download the tool using the links at the bottom of this page.

WHAT IS THE COST OF USING THE TOOL?

The Eco-Biz Challenge is available free of charge, under the user agreement and stated terms and conditions (see www.ccres.net/terms).

IS TECHNICAL TRAINING OR SUPPORT REQUIRED?

No.

WHAT USER SKILLS ARE REQUIRED?

People running the Eco-Biz Challenge should have facilitation skills, and introductory knowledge of business and economic theory.

For more information contact Prof Damian Hine, The University of Queensland

Download the Eco-Biz Challenge resources here:

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