Business Partners Limited (BUSINESS/PARTNERS) has launched its R300m Green Fund, which is focused on financing and supporting sustainable businesses and projects in South Africa.

The Fund aims to finance and support profit-seeking businesses that operate in the ‘green industry’.

Nazeem Martin, MD of Business Partners Limited, said: “We recognise the huge market potential of the ‘green economy’ – opening new and growing opportunities for both large businesses and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) alike.”

“The Business Partners Limited Green Fund seeks to develop, grow and invest in sustainable businesses, enabling them to capitalise on opportunities in the ‘green economy’ – especially in the clean and green technology, renewable energy, recycling sectors – and deliver on its inherent job and wealth creation potential,” he added.

Martin said that in South Africa, Government has committed to unleashing the potential of the green economy, and pointed to the New Growth Path which has identified the green economy as one of the six priority sectors to assist in reaching its target of five million new jobs by 2020.

“South Africa is one of the world’s most carbon-intensive economies, reported to account for nearly half of Africa’s carbon emissions, and the 12th largest carbon emitter globally," he said.

"Given its rich alternative energy sources, the country has the potential to reduce its unsustainable levels of carbon emissions through increasing the renewable (solar, wind and, to a lesser extent, hydro) component of its energy supply mix. And, the knock-on effect for economic growth and job creation from investing in these new alternative energy sectors will be substantial,” he added.

The SA Government is seeking to achieve a 34% reduction in domestic Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2020 and 42% by 2025, and the New Growth Path Framework aims to create 300 000 additional direct jobs by 2020 in an effort to green the economy.

“Such initiatives and policy frameworks require huge capital investments, creating space and opportunities for large businesses. But, simultaneously, opportunities arise for SMEs within the component manufacturing and service industry sectors as higher levels of local content is specified and required within government’s policy framework. Finally, a great deal of innovation is required from private sector financiers to seize the market opportunity created by government’s green economy plans and policy frameworks,” said Martin.

He also pointed to the current levels of foreign investor interest in the green economy.

According to the SADC Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Status Report, Africa attracted $8bn in renewable energy investment in 2014 (up from $5.3bn in 2013), with South Africa accounting for $5.5bn.

The Business Partners Limited Green Fund will provide expansion capital, as well as start-up funding and property finance from R500 000 and up to R30m.

“We are seeking to finance businesses which actively develop, manufacture and provide goods and services aimed at ‘saving the planet’, as well as those businesses that are ‘doing the right thing’ by implementing measures and/or technology which reduce their adverse impact on the environment,” said Martin.

Businesses that qualify for finance from the Fund will therefore range from renewable energy providers (offering an alternative, clean and environment friendly energy source) to energy or emissions savings product and service providers, to recyclers, waste managers and green building service and product providers.

The Fund will also consider financing businesses working to conserve natural resources, protect ecosystems and biodiversity and businesses producing healthier food sources.

“Ultimately we want to support those businesses that are making a difference,” said Martin.

The Fund will have a dedicated team to support with the application process and entrepreneurs will have access to dedicated industry specific specialists.

A R50 000 interest free loan is also available to qualifying entrepreneur for technical assistance.

“Making up 91% of formalised businesses in South Africa and contributing for more than 60% of new jobs created, SMEs are a vital contributor to the country’s GDP and employment. We believe by equipping SME entrepreneurs to thrive in the ‘green economy’, we can enhance their contribution to the economy and the environment,” said Martin.