COP30 Highlights Green Financing and Sustainable Small Businesses from Maranhão
COP30 in Belém spotlights enhanced green financing access for small businesses and showcases Maranhão’s sustainable products, reflecting Brazil's push for an inclusive green economy.
- • COP30 highlights the challenges and opportunities for green financing among micro and small businesses.
- • BNDES has committed R$ 96 billion since 2023 to green economy solutions, while Sebrae and Banco do Nordeste support credit access.
- • The Brasil BioMarket Collaborative Store features sustainable products from Maranhão, using local natural materials.
- • The event underscores the integration of financial and cultural initiatives to promote sustainable development nationally.
Key details
At COP30 in Belém, a significant focus has been placed on sustainable business initiatives and green financing options aimed at boosting small and micro enterprises. A key panel discussion at Sebrae's booth in the Green Zone brought together representatives from major institutions like BNDES, ABDE, and Banco do Nordeste to address the challenges small businesses face in accessing credit for sustainable projects. Giovanni Bevilaqua of Sebrae emphasized that green financing is no longer just a trend but a fundamental priority for the present, highlighting that small businesses have historically struggled to obtain such credit. The BNDES has allocated R$ 96 billion to solutions fueling the green economy since January 2023, with over R$ 2 billion supported through specific guarantee funds targeting micro and small enterprises. Banco do Nordeste currently processes 14,000 microfinance transactions daily, underlining its commitment to these businesses.
Complementing the financing efforts, the Brasil BioMarket Collaborative Store within the Green Zone is showcasing sustainable products from Maranhão’s small businesses. These include artisanal beverages, natural cosmetics, fashion items, and handicrafts made from locally sourced materials like babaçu coconut and buriti fiber. These products embody Maranhão’s bioeconomy, which blends sustainability with traditional knowledge, highlighting the region’s innovative potential and cultural richness. This exhibition not only promotes economic development but also demonstrates the tangible benefits of green initiatives supported by financial institutions and entrepreneurial programs.
These combined efforts reflect a comprehensive strategy at COP30 to integrate small businesses into Brazil's sustainable development agenda. By improving access to credit and showcasing regional sustainable products, stakeholders aim to accelerate the green transition across all entrepreneurial territories in the country.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.