NatureNest Accelerator Program (Philippines)

The program is designed to help enterprises develop sustainable business models, prepare to unlock financing and deepen nature-positive impact.

Aims

• 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

Program Duration

• The program will run for 6 months from July 2025 to December 2025.

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 their global network of investors, corporates, mentors, partners and academics working within the stakeholder ecosystem of nature and biodiversity.

Eligibility Criteria

• 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

For more information, visit Villgro Philippines.