Green Economy Financing Gains Momentum in Brazil with BNDES Support
BNDES Garagem's increasing focus on climate financing is driving growth in Brazil's green economy startups, with new selections to be announced at COP-30.
- • 31% of BNDES Garagem's 2025 applications are sustainability-related, reflecting growing green economy interest.
- • Over half of 2024 selected projects came from the sustainability sector, signaling increased appetite for climate investments.
- • BNDES Garagem supports 100 businesses annually with training, mentorship, and funding opportunities until 2028.
- • Next green startup selection announcement will be made during COP-30, highlighting investment momentum.
Key details
Brazil is witnessing a growing trend in financing and investment aimed at green economy businesses, highlighted by the Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social (BNDES) Garagem program's significant focus on sustainability-oriented startups. According to data from the 2025 public call, 31% of the 560 business applications submitted to BNDES Garagem were rooted in sustainability, mirroring an ongoing shift towards climate-conscious ventures. This movement aligns with global decarbonization efforts, presenting both opportunities and challenges for Brazil's green economy.
BNDES Garagem, operating since 2018 in partnership with the accelerator Quintessa, selects 100 businesses annually until 2028, prioritizing diversity and socio-environmental impact alongside financial sustainability. Over half of the projects chosen for 2024 originated from the sustainability sector, reflecting BNDES's increased appetite for climate financing. Key focus areas for 2025 applications include sustainable forestry and agriculture, water and sanitation, waste management, energy, and logistics, underscoring a broad ecosystem of green solutions fostering growth.
Gabriela Bonotti, co-CEO of Quintessa, emphasized that this shift towards climate investments is reshaping businesses even outside the initial climate focus, linking survival and growth potential directly to alignment with climate agendas. Alice Lopes, BNDES Garagem manager, noted that the program offers selected startups comprehensive training, mentorship, and exposure culminating in a Demoday event where standout projects gain significant funding opportunities. The forthcoming announcement of the next batch of supported businesses is scheduled during COP-30, signaling further growth prospects for impactful green ventures.
This evolving funding environment underlines Brazil's serious commitment to supporting impact-driven enterprises capable of addressing environmental challenges while ensuring financial viability. BNDES Garagem serves as a vital catalyst in this transition, infusing capital and strategic guidance into emerging green economy businesses at a critical juncture for sustainable development in the nation.