AL-INVEST Verde

EU-LA Alliance for Sustainable Growth and Jobs

The new edition of the AL-INVEST programme (EU-LA Alliance for Sustainable Growth and Jobs), AL-INVEST Verde, is an initiative financed by the European Union and co-financed by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) with the objective of promoting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises in Latin America. Through the implementation of sustainable practices, such as the reduction of the carbon footprint in their processes, greater efficiency in the use of resources, and digital transformation, the programme fosters the green transition towards a more circular economy. AL-INVEST Verde will provide 25 million euros in funding for innovative projects (incl. an own contribution of at least 20%) as a result of business partnerships between Latin American and European business support and business membership organizations.

AL-INVEST Verde is built around 3 components:

Component 1 is designed to mobilize EU know-how and investment to support business growth within the private sector in Latin America. This component is being implemented by a consortium of seven institutions led by sequa.
Component 2 promotes policy advocacy to effectively implement core environmental and labor standards. It is executed by a consortium organized by FIIAPP and IILA.
Component 3 focuses on intellectual property rights. It is managed by the corresponding EU office EUIPO.

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Contact

Frank Summa

Programme Director. Component 1

E-Mail

Component 1

Innovative partnership projects for the green transition of SMEs

Component 1 of the programme is led by sequa along with a consortium of six business membership organizations across Latin American countries and Europe to manage funds to implement sustainable practices and promote digital transformation in the private sector.

The programme provides 25 million EUR for innovative projects from business partnerships between Latin American and European business support organisations (chambers and associations), business development and other organisations such as foundations, universities, non-governmental organisations, among others. These grants are provided through competitive funds. A total of almost 300 proposals for innovative projects were submitted in the framework of two calls for proposals published in the EU and Latin America. As a result of the first call, 24 projects were contracted in 2022 and a further 42 projects in 2024. All 66 projects are currently being implemented. The consortium was responsible for preparing and promoting the calls in the first phase, including the subsequent evaluation and selection. Currently, the projects are being monitored and the consortia are being supported in implementing the partnership projects that contribute to the objectives of the programme.

AL-INVEST Verde will last 60 months – from December 2021 to November 2026 - and will contribute a maximum of EUR 300.000 per project. This contribution covers up to 80% of the grant projects’ eligible costs.

The target group of the funded projects are small and medium sized enterprises in Latin America, which drive the region’s economy and play a key role in promoting sustainable development. These SMEs have great potential to respond to market needs, generate better employment, and expand improved living conditions in Latin American target countries.