Where Nature-based Solutions take flight
The NatureNest Accelerator is a 6-month program that aims to accelerate the growth of local Nature-based Enterprises that increase community involvement in climate resilience, through capacity building, coaching and access to capital. The program is designed to help enterprises develop sustainable business models, prepare to unlock financing and deepen nature-positive impact.
We are looking for early-stage Nature-based Enterprises (NbEs) that operate in or around forest, agricultural or marine areas in the Philippines that sustainably use and develop natural resources and promote the value of conservation through the provision of its goods and services.
NatureNest aims to:
Identify and support 10 high-potential Nature-based Enterprises that create direct, positive impact on the environment while fostering sustainable economic growth
Enhance business resilience of Nature-based Enterprises through tailored capacity-building, targeted coaching, and specialized technical assistance
Catalyze private sector capital to scale the impact of Nature-based Enterprises by connecting mission-aligned investors and unlocking funding opportunities for growth
Why Nature-based Enterprises
Nature-based Enterprises are businesses that harness the power of natural ecosystems—such as forests, wetlands, and coastal areas—to deliver environmental, social, and economic benefits, while actively restoring and protecting nature, and sustaining local livelihoods.
The Philippines is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world, mostly from climate change impacts. The climate crisis in the Philippines is intensifying storms, floods, and droughts, devastating communities and livelihoods—yet the country’s rich natural ecosystems remain our first line of defense and a crucial ally in building resilience, but its increasing under threat.
Nature-based enterprises and solutions are vital for the Philippines as they protect and restore ecosystems that shield vulnerable communities from climate disasters, while creating sustainable livelihoods rooted in local knowledge and biodiversity. Investing in these solutions strengthens climate resilience, enhances food and water security, and empowers Indigenous and rural communities to thrive in harmony with nature.
Who Can Apply
Eligible early-stage enterprises must:
▶ Demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental impact, business resilience, and long-term sustainability
▶ Have a proven concept with early validation and clear growth potential
▶ Have been operating in the Philippines for a minimum of 1 year
▶ Duly registered entity in the Philippines with BIR, CDA, DTI, SEC and/or other appropriate agencies
Nature-based Enterprises that are focused on any of the following areas:
▶ Environment, Natural Resources, and Biodiversity Restoration and Management
▶ Sustainable and Biodiversity-friendly Agriculture and Food Production
▶ Sustainable Forestry & Biomaterials
▶ EcoTourism and Community Health & Wellbeing
Enterprises that actively engage local communities and/or beneficiaries in the Philippines, such as but not limited to:
▶ Partnering with Indigenous communities to protect forests, watersheds, and marine ecosystems
▶ Supporting farmer co-ops in climate-resilient and regenerative agriculture
▶ Collaborating with fisherfolk on sustainable fisheries
▶ Co-creating with artisans using sustainably sourced natural materials
*We strongly encourage applications from underrepresented founders, especially enterprises led by Indigenous Peoples and women.
Program Benefits
Capacity Building
Customized learning labs on business, finance, climate, social impact, and gender, helping enterprises refine models, strategies, and long-term sustainability.
Tailored Mentoring
One-on-one mentorship with business and sector experts to guide enterprises in lean experimentation, business model validation, and strategic growth.
Technical Assistance
Tailored technical assistance on accounting, finance, and marketing to help build strong operational fundamentals of the business
Investment Readiness
Personalized mentorship and hands-on training to prepare to fundraise, create financial growth plans, and refine investment pitch for potential investors.
Leadership Coaching
Access to specialized self-paced modules covering Leadership & Business Fundamentals, Investment Readiness, and more, allowing enterprise leaders to learn at their own pace.
Peer Learning
Enterprises will actively engage in structured peer-to-peer sharing circles to exchange insights and experiences in building nature-based solutions.
Funding Opportunities
High-potential enterprises will have the chance to connect with Villgro Philippines’ partner investors, unlocking potential funding opportunities at the end of the acclerator.
Networking Opportunities
Access to our global network of investors, corporates, mentors, partners and academics working within the stakeholder ecosystem of nature and biodiversity.
Program Timeline
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Screening & Selection
May to June 2025
Phase 1: Build
June to July 2025
- Kick-off and Learning Lab 1 (Mindanao, in-person)
- Diagnostic Panel and 100-day plan
- Virtual masterclass
Phase 2: Grow
August to September 2025
- Business and sector mentorships
- Self-paced leadership modules
- Gender training
- Learning Lab 2 (Visayas, in-person)
- Virtual masterclass
Phase 3: Scale
October to December 2025
- Investment readiness training
- NbS impact investing workshop for investors
- Tailored technical assistance on finance and marketing
- Fundraising mentorship and pitch training
Impact Showcase & Entrepreneur-Investor Roadshow
December 2025
How to Apply
Applicants must submit a complete application form for the program via Google Forms. Along with the application form, applicants are also requested to submit the following:
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All information submitted in your application will be handled in accordance with the Privacy Policy of Villgro Philippines. Applications will be evaluated by a selection panel composed of representatives from Villgro Philippines, United Nations Development Programme Philippines, and other partners. For a detailed breakdown of the selection criteria, please refer to this document.
You may also download the printable version of the application form in Filipino for offline use and reference.
I-download ang Filipino version ng application form para magamit offline at gawing gabay sa pag-fill out.
We are coming to you!
Join us for a free learning session designed for entrepreneurs advancing Nature-based Solutions.
This May and June 2025, Villgro Philippines is bringing the NatureNest Information Session Caravan to cities and towns across the country. Whether you prefer to connect online or in person, we invite you to join us and learn how you can scale your nature-positive impact.
Virtual
May 16, 2025
Occidental Mindoro
May 22, 2025
Surigao del Norte
May 28, 2025
Aurora
June 3, 2025
Ortigas
June 9, 2025
Virtual
June 10, 2025
Basahin ang NatureNest Program Brief sa Filipino
I-download ang Filipino version ng program brief para mas madali mong maintindihan ang tungkol sa programa—mula sa layunin, benepisyo, hanggang sa paraan ng pag-apply. Maari rin itong gamitin na gabay upang ibahagi sa iyong team o komunidad.
The NatureNest Accelerator is an initiative of the Accelerating Green and Climate Finance in the Philippines: Nature-based Solutions (AGCF) Project, funded by the Government of Canada and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme in the Philippines in partnership with the Department of Finance. Villgro Philippines is supporting UNDP to develop and implement the NatureNest Accelerator.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
As the lead United Nations agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. It helps countries develop policies, leadership skills, partnerships, and institutional capabilities to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Their work is centered around six core development areas, known as our signature solutions: poverty and inequality, governance, resilience, environment, energy and gender equality. UNDP’s mandate is to end poverty, build democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive institutions. They advocate for change, and connect countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life.
Accelerating Green and Climate Finance (AGCF)
The Accelerating Green and Climate Finance in the Philippines: Nature-based Solutions (AGCF) aims to increase private sector investments into gender-responsive nature-based solutions (NBS) for climate resilient technologies, innovations, practices, and approaches; supporting a just transition to resilient and low emission development that sustains nature and ecosystems and protects the rights of all who are affected and at risk.
Implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the AGCF Project is funded by the Government of Canada and conducted in partnership with the Department of Finance (DoF) with other key national government agencies including the Climate Change Commission (CCC), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Public-Private Partnership Center (PPPC), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).
About Villgro Philippines
Villgro Philippines is a gender-smart incubator that funds, mentors and nurtures enterprises addressing the most pressing social and climate issues. Over the last 6 years, Villgro Philippines has supported more than 160 enterprises across climate, health, education, agriculture, affordable housing, and women and girls in South and Southeast Asia. Villgro Philippines established the Nüshu Network (formerly WE Rise Community) in partnership with UN Women in 2021 to connect women entrepreneurs with investors, mentors, and resources. In collaboration with xchange and USAID, Villgro Philippines launched the Impact Pioneers Network, providing early-stage impact entrepreneurs access to debt and equity investments. Their gender-focused initiatives have earned numerous awards, including recognition as a Youth Gender Champion in 2020; a Gender Responsive Marketplace for SMEs in 2021 by the UN Women Women Empowerment Principles (WEPs) Awards; and the 2024 Philippine Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEP) Award for Innovative Financing. Villgro Philippines is certified under the GLIA standards by ygap and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation.
When is the deadline for applications?
June 13, 2025 (11:59 PM (11:59PM PHT)
What are Nature-based Enterprises (NbEs) and Solutions (NbS)?
Nature-based enterprise is an umbrella term, embracing enterprises working across many existing economic sectors that take a nature-positive approach. Nature-based enterprises can have different forms, including businesses, social enterprises, and community associations. Nature-based enterprises (NbEs) operate in or around protected areas, sustainably use and develop natural resources, and promote the value of conservation through the provision of its goods and services. Its operations involve local communities, conservation organizations, and indigenous people to support responsible stewardship of nature-based solutions (NBS). At its core, NbEs positively impact the environment alongside the attainment of financial and social returns.
Nature-based Solutions involve working with nature, as part of nature, to address societal challenges, supporting human well-being and biodiversity locally. They include the improved management or restoration of environment and natural resources, and biodiversity; the sustainable management of forests and forestlands, coastal and marine areas and production landscape; and the integration of nature in and around our cities. They are actions that are underpinned by biodiversity and designed and implemented in a way that respects the rights, values and knowledge of local communities and Indigenous Peoples. (Nature-based Solutions Initiative, 2017)
What sub-sectors or industries do Nature-based Enterprises cover?
Nature-based Enterprises can cover blue and green economies. As a nature-based enterprise, you may be working in one or more of the following subsectors (but not limited to):
- Improved management or restoration of environment, natural resources and biodiversity
- Sustainable forest management, including agro-forestry, forest restoration and protection, improved watershed management
- Improved coastal resources management, including sustainable fishing practices, establishment and strengthening of Marine Protected Areas,
- Sustainable Agriculture & Food Production
- Restoration of farmlands and food-producing services
- Innovations in crop and seafood productivity, including plant and soil improvements of biodiversity
- Regenerative agriculture, aquaculture, and organic farming
- Emission reductions and energy efficiency in postharvest production
- Sustainable Forestry & Biomaterials
- Use of renewable, living resources and sustainable farming
- Processing innovations in novel foods, nutraceuticals, food additives, or zero-waste food processing
- Renewable energy and low-carbon technologies for agriculture and aquaculture
- Bio-based building materials and construction innovations
- Sustainable Tourism and Community Health & Wellbeing
- Creation of “green” and “blue” jobs in agricultural and fisheries or similar sectors
- Sustainable coastal, marine ecotourism, rural and agri tourism
- Community livelihood and well-being in landscape, forest-dependent, or coastal community
If you do not see your sub-sector or area of work but still believe your model has a nature-positive impact, please go ahead and submit an application.
Who can see the information I submit in the application?
All information submitted may be seen by Villgro Philippines, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Philippines, and collaboration partners, which includes judges and assessors. All members of the program team are bound by confidentiality agreements.
What publicity will there be about my application?
Once companies have been selected and admitted into the program, their involvement may be publicized through official channels including but not limited to websites, social media platforms, and other public communications channels.
What is the selection process?
Applications will be assessed through the following criteria:
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| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Impact on Natural Ecosystems and Biodiversity | The enterprise should have positive nature and biodiversity impacts, with its solutions contributing to local climate and biodiversity efforts. Nature conservation and protection of areas and resources should be actively integrated into the core of its business operations. Additionally, the enterprise must demonstrate a measurable impact of its activities and interventions on nature and biodiversity. |
| Gender Impact | The enterprise is majority owned by women (20% or more) or was founded by a woman. Women founders or management must play an active leadership role in the business, with at least one female in a C-level position. Alternatively, the enterprise should offer products and services that directly and tangibly impact women and girls. Additionally, the enterprise must maintain gender-disaggregated data on women within its value chain. |
| Feasibility of Business Model | The enterprise must have a clearly defined customer segment and a well-established product-market fit. It should be aware of the magnitude of the pain/problem, have a deep understanding of it, and provide a solution that effectively addresses it. |
| Social Impact | Social impact is a core focus of the enterprise, significantly addressing social and environmental challenges. The impact is direct and tangible, with solutions that directly benefit the environment and are dedicated to mitigating climate change. |
| Potential of Scale | The enterprise precisely identifies a need or problem and offers a compelling value proposition to address it. It has a detailed understanding of its target market, including customers’ willingness to pay. Additionally, it conducts thorough analysis of market size, growth potential, and potential competitors and substitutes, demonstrating potential for future funding. |
| Sustainability | The enterprise is capable of sustaining itself through its profits and is adaptable to industry changes, leveraging them for growth. |
| Team | The team driving the enterprise must possess relevant experience or domain knowledge, demonstrate strong passion and commitment, exhibit leadership qualities, and have the ability to take risks. |
Is there an application or program fee?
No, there is no application fee. The program is free for all selected applicants.
How will I know If I am successful?
Following initial screening and selection, the program team will conduct virtual due diligence interviews on each selected enterprise to validate the eligibility and program fit. Following due diligence, the cohort will proceed to a meeting with a selection panel. Upon finalization of the cohort by the selection panel, selected enterprises will be informed.
How long will the program run?
After the application period, the program will run for 6 months from July 2025 to December 2025.
Is this an in-person or virtual program?
NatureNest is a hybrid program, with most of the activities running virtually and some in-person touchpoints at the start, middle, and end of the program.
If you have any further questions or need support to complete your application, please write to the climate team atclimate@villgrophilippines.org
