Seed Initiative

The Seed Initiative (Supporting Entrepreneurs in Environment and Development) aims to inspire, support and build the capacity of locally-driven entrepreneurial partnerships. It helps developing countries as they work towards fulfilling the Millennium Development Goals and the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation.

The initiative focuses on innovative action that delivers real solutions by supporting project cooperation between small and large businesses, local and international NGOs, women's groups, labour organisations, public authorities and UN agencies, and others working in the field of sustainable development. Through an international award scheme, intensive capacity-building activities and a research programme, the Seed Initiative stimulates and builds the capacity of nascent entrepreneurs managing projects on the ground. Swiss Re’s sponsorship of this initiative has enabled SEED to support one of the first award-winners – a project promoting a more ecologically efficient method of growing rice using significantly less water and no chemical fertilisers.