CIMB Group has launched the ESG-SME Pitch Challenge which offers regional small and medium sized enterprises that have sustainability-focused business models or operations to seek equity funding.
SMEs are invited to apply to participate in the competition, with shortlisted participants receiving coaching and guidance via preparatory workshops by its partners, namely pitchIN and the Private Financing Advisory Network, a global network of climate and clean energy financing experts hosted by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization.
Top 10 successful participants will be selected to have the opportunity to pitch their businesses and raise funding of up to RM10 million from equity investors, such as venture capital, private equity firms, impact investors, government-linked investment companies and high net worth individuals.
Applications are open from now until 2 September 2022. Participating SMEs must be focused on a green, social or sustainable impact area, aligned with CIMB Group’s Green, Social, Sustainable Impact Products and Services Framework, and must be revenue generating.
Dato’ Abdul Rahman Ahmad, Group Chief Executive Officer of CIMB Group said, “We are excited to introduce the CIMB ESG-SME Pitch Challenge as part of our flagship The Cooler Earth Sustainability Summit, which plays a dual role as our latest initiative in expanding CIMB’s support for the empowerment of SMEs in the region. We hope this dynamic event platform will see the convergence of high potential SMEs and a diverse range of investors and become a launching pad for green, social and sustainable SMEs to scale-up their businesses.”
- The hybrid Summit aims to convene global experts, business leaders, financiers, investors, and policymakers to encourage greater discourse in sustainability and shape a more sustainable future. Themed ‘Facilitating a Just Transition’, this year’s Summit reflects on the accelerating global action on climate following COP26 in Glasgow, whilst ensuring that climate solutions and social development blueprints are inclusive, equitable and just for all stakeholders.
