[ad_1]
The second year of the KPMG Nature Positive Challenge is underway, with an increased prize pool and an expanded geographic area, which is now open to budding green start-ups from Papua New Guinea and Fiji.
Professional services firm KPMG has expanded its Nature Positive Challenge to the South Pacific with start-ups in Australia, Papua New Guinea and Fiji working in the fields of biodiversity and marine conservation to share in $400,000 in prizes and services .
Launched last year, the first winner of the Nature Positive award was Western Australia’s ULUU, who took home $100,000 as the most effective business.
This year’s theme builds on last year’s challenge and focuses on two key areas of the environment; “Biodiversity”, for companies “accelerating the protection, conservation and regeneration of all species and living things on Earth”; and “Blue Economy” for those who “promote the sustainable use of oceans and marine resources to support economic growth and community prosperity while protecting the health of blue ecosystems.”
Expressions of interest are open to start-ups working on ideas, technologies and solutions in designated categories, with a total of five to share $250,000 worth of consulting, tax and accounting services to help them grow their businesses. Those chosen will once again compete for the top prize of $100,000, while KPMG has introduced a $50,000 “People’s Choice” prize this year to be voted on by employees.
Julia Reisser and Michael Kingsbury, co-founders of last year’s winner ULUU, which developed a plastic alternative from sustainably grown seaweed, said the triumph was a defining moment for the business. “This program has not only given credibility to our sustainability claims, but has also introduced us to so many customers and suppliers and planted those vital relationships that will help us grow,” said Reisser.
In addition to financial incentives and consultancy and service support, the five selected participants will also be exposed to industry, business, science, knowledge and community partners, along with potential investors, with the opportunity to speak at the Nature Positive Challenge presentation event and later showcase after the winner is announced in June. Expressions of interest remain open until April 28.
“When our economies, livelihoods and well-being depend on nature, we must work in harmony with the environment as part of our business practices to ensure a sustainable future,” said KPMG Australia CEO Andrew Yates. “Last year’s Challenge showed how many innovative Australian businesses are developing effective and disruptive solutions to complex and persistent environmental problems.”
[ad_2]