New Initiatives at COP30 Empower Amazonian Entrepreneurs and Boost Sustainable Business Financing

At COP30's Impact Investment and Sustainable Business Festival of the Amazon (FIINSA COP30) held in Belém, two key initiatives were launched to support sustainable entrepreneurship and business development in the Amazon region. Idesam introduced Zôma, a venture builder dedicated to early-stage Amazonian entrepreneurs, with a focus on community-based businesses and science-driven innovations. Zôma will provide mentorship, legal and financial advice, marketing support, and connections to investors, aiming to incubate ten businesses in 2026. The initiative also announced the international challenge "Desafio Bioinovação Amazônia," supported by the Bezos Earth Fund and Penn State University, to foster bioinnovation in productive chains such as nuts and açaí. Renato Rebelo, Zôma’s leader, said the program seeks to prepare entrepreneurs "for an economy that values the living Amazon," while Kaline Rossi emphasized empowering cooperatives, associations, and small enterprises for formalization and market access.

Simultaneously, Sebrae launched "Acredita Sustentabilidade," a new credit guarantee line under the Fund for Guarantee of Micro and Small Enterprises (Fampe) to increase access to green financing for micro and small businesses adopting sustainable practices. Giovanni Bevilaqua of Sebrae highlighted that this initiative lowers traditional barriers such as high costs and bureaucracy, with Sebrae acting as a guarantor for up to 80% of loan amounts. Sebrae also released an e-book detailing the available green credit lines from major financial institutions, offering a comprehensive guide for sustainable small businesses.

Both initiatives complement COP30’s focus on ecological transition by providing essential incubation, financing, and networking opportunities. Sebrae's large interactive stand and events at COP30 further promote dialogue and cultural experiences around Brazil’s biodiversity and innovation.