Increasingly, businesses that combine economic prosperity, conservation of natural resources and development in traditional communities are gaining ground in the Legal Amazon. Bioeconomy, solid waste management and community-based tourism are some of the segments that have gained the most value when it comes to this topic.
Increasingly, businesses that combine economic prosperity, conservation of natural resources and development in traditional communities are gaining ground in the Legal Amazon. Bioeconomy, solid waste management and community-based tourism are some of the segments that have gained the most value when it comes to this topic.
This trend was confirmed in the 2nd edition of the Impact Lab, an acceleration program by Impact Hub Manaus, which received 150 applications from businesses from the nine states of the Legal Amazon that seek to promote sustainable development.
Amazonas led the registrations, with 77 projects (51.33%), followed by Pará, with 29 (19.33%). The diversity of participants is also impressive: 90 businesses operate in urban areas, 15 in rural territories and 13 in Sustainable Development Reserves (RDS). In addition, 84 projects are led by women and brown people, reinforcing the importance of inclusion in the innovation ecosystem. Of the total, 24 projects work with sociobiodiversity products; 14 in waste management, education and green technologies; 13 work in forest areas and land use; and 11 in the food sector. “The data shows a great diversity of profiles and proposals in states and municipalities. This is essential, as each location in the Amazon has unique challenges and opportunities. Innovation must be connected to active listening to Amazonians, ensuring effective solutions for the sustainable development of the region”, highlights Marcus Bessa, co-founder of Impact Hub Manaus
Financial resources for investment
Regarding the types of projects, 89 registered as impact businesses, while 34 as startups. In addition, 104 consider their products and services to be in the MVP (Minimum Viable Product) phase and being launched on the market; while 46 are in the Pilot (Developed Prototype) phase and undergoing market testing.
Regarding revenue, 128 ventures have monthly revenue of up to R$50,000, while 13 ventures have revenue between R$50,000 and R$100,000 per month.
These figures reinforce a study by Impact Hub Manaus, carried out in 2021, which showed that 42.9% of businesses indicated the need for capital to invest in their expansion. Another important fact is that 51% highlighted that an investment of up to R$100,000 would be essential to progress to the next phase.
“We will invest up to R$600,000 in this second edition of the ‘Impact Lab’, supporting businesses at different stages. In addition to the seed capital, which ranges from R$30,000 to R$100,000, we will guarantee specialized training, mentoring and strategic connections. The goal is to strengthen these solutions to transform the Amazon”, concludes Bessa. The program is now moving into the second phase, of qualifying and selecting interested parties, with the announcement of those selected expected next month.
The “Impact Lab” is being held by Impact Hub Manaus, in partnership with Bemol, Singulari Consultoria and the Plataforma Parceiros pela Amazônia (PPA). For more information, visit labdeimpacto.com.br or on social media @labdeimpacto_.
