Support Strategies for Nature-Based Entrepreneurship

Finding skilled and experienced suppliers has been identified as a roadblock in the wider uptake of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), particularly in cities. Nature-Based Enterprises (NBEs) can support cities, private sector and third sector organisations in the planning, delivery and stewardship of nature-based solutions. 

Nature-based enterprises are driven by a mission to work with and for nature to address climate change and biodiversity challenges. They are engaged in economic activities, for example:

Next to environmental benefits, nature-based enterprises deliver economic value by stimulating innovation and creating new skills and jobs in local economies. These type of enterprises also provide social value, and have the potential to become an engine for the transition to a nature positive, carbon neutral, just and sustainable economy.

As part of the Connecting Nature project, we worked with Trinity College Dublin to develop the Nature-Based Enterprises Guidebook. This Guidebook proposes a three step, holistic approach for cities or public-sector agencies to stimulate the start-up and growth of NBEs. We tested this approach in 10 cities - starting with a half-day workshop, and continuing to track the progress through a series of quarterly reflexive monitoring calls. 

In the Connecting Nature project, programmes for nature-based entrepreneurship support were created around the following objectives: 

• Raising awareness about NBS principles 

• Raising awareness about economic potential of NBS and NBE 

• Delivering skills and training related to NBS 

• Generating business ideas for NBS in the city context

• Creating opportunities / contracts for NBEs to deliver NBS in the city context 

An example of this is the Glasgow Nature-Based Accelerator:Glasgow’s Nature-Based Accelerator is a 6 month fully funded programme for early-stage nature-based ideas and enterprises that could create positive environmental, social, or economic change in Glasgow. As part of the accelerator, enterprises are guided by experts through the process from idea to creating a viable business.  

The Nature-Based Accelerator was initiated by Glasgow City Council, and developed in  collaboration with Good Ideas, an incubator programme focused on social innovation. The successful pilot programme in 2021 supported 15 early-stage impactful enterprises with ideas to help improve and maintain Glasgow’s open spaces. In April 2022, the second edition of the Nature-Based Accelerator started. 

We found that in working with these cities, there were different levels of awareness of nature-based solutions. There were also different types of nature-based solutions being implemented - from urban parks to community gardens. This led to different outcomes in each city -  there is no one size fits all. At Horizon Nua, we can help you develop a strategy for supporting nature-based entrepreneurship. 

Interested in something similar for your city, region, or country? Contact us to arrange a call.

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