The National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) and the AWL consortium, formed by the accelerators Artemisia, Wayra and Liga Ventures, launched today (24) the call for the 2022 cycle of BNDES Garagem – Negócios de Impacto.
Until June 24, applications are open for the two stages of the program: creation (focused on developing new businesses with a socio-environmental impact) and traction (to gain scale of startups). Enterprises that focus on ideas or projects related to the solution of social and/or environmental problems may apply.
In the creation stage, the program will select up to 20 entrepreneurs or startups impact and, in traction, up to 25 startups with sales of less than R$ 16 million that are already operating and have a product developed and offered on the market.
Businesses that aim to offer solutions in the areas of education and employability will be prioritized; financial inclusion and education; health and wellness; sustainable cities and citizenship; and environment and circular economy. Businesses in other areas can also apply and be selected. Applications can be made using the electronic form, available at site from BNDES Garage.
According to the development bank, the enterprises participating in the program will have, among other benefits, access to training in skills necessary for the development of an innovative business with impact; mentoring with BNDES employees, experienced executives and specialists; and connections with companies, investors and other actors in the area of innovation. The program is free for all participants and will be conducted in a hybrid way (online and face-to-face).
According to Bruno Laskowsky, director of Participations, Capital Markets, Restructuring and Indirect Credit at BNDES, this new call from BNDES Garagem confirms the success of the initiative and reinforces the bank’s concern to increasingly promote sustainable development.
“In the first cycle of Garagem, which took place throughout 2021, we accelerated entrepreneurs and startups of impact from all regions of Brazil that brought solutions to social and environmental challenges, stimulating the entrepreneurship ecosystem and positively transforming the lives of Brazilians. For this new cycle, we continue with the genuine intention of generating a positive impact on society and expanding the list of solutions that we consider to be a priority. The education aspect, for example, has incorporated new challenges related to employability so that all knowledge generated through educational content can be reversed in the insertion of more and more people in the job market”, said Laskowsky, in a note.
The program is expected to publish the list of selected candidates for the Traction stage on August 15th and for the Creation stage on September 12th.
