New Ventures

New Ventures (NV) is a global network of enterprise acceleration centers that spur the growth of entrepreneurial approaches to the challenges of sustainable development. Our vision is a new, recognized asset class, comprised of enterprises whose primary intent is generating positive impacts on the environment and society, backed up by a vibrant marketplace and a robust ecosystem of support.

The NV network consists of six local enterprise acceleration centers located in some of the most vibrant emerging economies (Brazil, China, Colombia, India, Indonesia and Mexico) and a global hub housed at the World Resources Institute in Washington DC. The countries in the NV Network are home to 46% of the world’s population, over 12% of its GDP and house 25% of the protected biodiversity areas on the planet. Their collective impact on earth’s sustainability is enormous. Smart, practical support for enterprises that can improve environmental conditions in these countries is not a choice we have: it’s an imperative.

Why New Ventures?

There is growing recognition among emerging countries of the need to move to a more environmentally sustainable model of economic growth. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in emerging markets play a critical role in the economy by creating jobs and spurring growth, but face severe barriers in accessing finance to scale their businesses. New Ventures enterprises are developing innovative technologies and business models that can play a vital role in sustainable economic development by delivering financial, environmental and social returns.

Impact: The backbone of NV’s selection process

New Ventures supports enterprises that address specific environmental issues through their activity. Many NV enterprises offer essential products and services that help under-served communities progress out of poverty. In its selection process, NV prioritizes enterprises that seek the following results:

• biodiversity conservation
• energy efficiency
• natural resource conservation (non-water, non-energy, non-agriculture)
• pollution prevention & waste reduction
• sustainable energy
• sustainable land use
• water resource management

Local Centers: Localizing the Approach to Addressing Global Challenges

New Ventures is executed on the ground by Local Centers, a result of partnerships between WRI and established local organizations that share our vision of sustainable development.

• New Ventures Brazil: Fundacao Getulio Vargas - Centro de Estudos em Sustentabilidade (GVces)
• New Ventures China: DAO Institute for Environment and Development
• New Ventures Colombia: Universidad de los Andes School of Management
• New Ventures India: Confederation of Indian Industry – Green Building Centre
• New Ventures Indonesia: Yayasan Bina Usaha Lingkungan
• New Ventures Mexico: Centro de Negocios Sustentables – New Ventures Mexico