The Energy Enterprise Coach is open to SMEs in the renewable energy sector, working in countries (see target countries here) supported by SEE Clean Cooking programme, which includes the Africa Biogas Component (ABC) and the Higher Tier Clean Cooking Component (HTCC), and the Energising Development (EnDev) Partnership.
We deliver business development support interventions tailored to the enterprise’s stage of growth (either early, growth or advanced), clean energy offering (improved and clean cooking, biodigesters, organic fertiliser and off-grid solar), context and location. The EEC provides business development services across six key thematic areas that represent critical barriers to scaling and the differential needs that clean energy SMEs experience along the growth trajectory as noted below.
What We Do
We help SMEs that are active in renewable energy grow
How We Help
Business planning and strategy
Marketing & sales
Scaling your company
Technical innovation and automation
Last mile distribution
Raising finance
The EEC approach
Enterprises applying to the EEC will be pre-screened for eligibility (see eligibility requirements) and thereafter undergo a detailed diagnostic assessment by our competent regional enterprise development specialists (EEC relationship managers).
Based on the enterprise growth stage (startup, venture, growth and mature), and nature and complexity of business development challenges faced, SMEs will be assigned a suitable support trajectory, taking one or more of the following three forms described below.
E-Learning
Long-distance learning through an online platform including e-mentorship support
Self-paced, e-mentoring support from an experienced mentor
Cohort trainings
Group-based physical and digital training sessions
In-country or online workshops delivered through a series of relevant trainings and assignments to SMEs with comparable business development needs
Individual mentoring
Individual SME mentoring by an experienced mentor
Timeframes, format and frequency of engagement to be determined upon detailed SME needs assessment.
The EEC video
The EEC is part of the SEE-Clean Cooking programme and provides tailored support through local mentors, international trainers, and peer-to-peer learning. The EEC covers everything from business fundamentals to access to finance, making it a one-stop solution for energy enterprises seeking to grow. The video below showcases EEC’s work, as well as its goal of tackling challenges hampering Small and Medium-sized Enterprises’ (SMEs) growth.
SMEs play a crucial role in expanding global energy access, yet they face numerous market challenges. But with the help of initiatives like the Netherlands Enterprise Agency-backed EEC, these SMEs can overcome obstacles, thrive and achieve their objectives of sustainably powering the world. Learn more about what the Energy Enterprise Coach does to support entrepreneurs in the clean cooking industry and the renewable energy sector at large by watching the video below.
