SEED Programme
SEED Programme
Wednesday, 13 August 2008 12:09
The SEED Programme is based on four interlinked pillars: the SEED Awards; supporting SEED Winners; identifying best practices and developing tools; and influencing policy. SEED partners with expert organisations on each of these.
SEED Awards: Through an annual, global awards scheme SEED finds and reveals a wealth of novel ways of doing business. An international jury of experts selects and recognises the most promising and innovative start-up social and environmental entrepreneurs working in partnership in developing countries.
Supporting SEED Winners: Based on the winners expressed needs, Award Winners receive an individually-tailored support package from SEED which consists of:
• networking with interested organisations
• profiling their initiatives nationally and internationally
• skills development such as management, and technical expertise and assistance
• business planning.
Identifying best practices and developing tools: SEED places great emphasis on tracking the progress of the SEED Awardees, and on examining other social and environmental entrepreneurs. This is to increase the understanding of how innovative start-ups grow, which obstacles they face in the process and their economic, social and environmental impacts. This knowledge then forms the basis for the development of specific tools useful for all entrepreneurs and SEED’s work on the policy front.
Influencing policy: The insights and evidence that SEED collects are translated into specific policy messages to stimulate a more enabling framework for social and environmental entrepreneurs. SEED presents these messages to international forums and policy platforms as well as through its website, publications and learning tools.
