Forest Ecopreneurs Incubation Program - ENG

A business training program to strengthen local initiatives related to forest protection and livelihood development

04 February 2025

Deadline for applications

About the Forest Ecopreneurs Incubation Program

Are you an entrepreneur who believes in protecting the environment and helping local communities? Do you already have a business (even a small one!) that’s working in eco-tourism, handicrafts, honey, coffee, cashews, bamboo, beauty products, sustainable agriculture, or other products related to the forest? Do you want to gain the skills, knowledge, advice, and inspiration to make your business stronger?

If your answer is yes… then you are a perfect fit for the 2025 Forest Ecopreneurs Incubation Program! This is a meaningful, challenging, and fun program for entrepreneurs all over Cambodia. In this program, you’re not just going to learn. You will also:

get practical tools and accountability to work on key areas of your business through our unique curriculum;
find support from mentors and other entrepreneurs who understand you and can advise you;
and gain new networks and visibility that will help grow your business.

This program is implemented in Cambodia by Impact Hub Phnom Penh, supported by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), in partnership with the Korea Forest Service (KFS) and Bridge for Billions (B4B). The program is developed under The Sustaining an Abundance of Forest Ecosystems (SAFE) Initiative, and is part of the global Restoration Factory initiative.

Program Timeline

21 January 2025

Application Open

04 February 2025

Application Closed

18 March 2025

Onboarding

April – September 2025

Business trainings and curriculum, one-on-one mentoring, special workshops with experts in forests, impact, and business, and weekly support sessions with the cohort (online)

April 2025

In-person bootcamp

workshop in Phnom Penh

June 2025

3-day field trip to forest communities

September 2025

Closing networking event

and pitch opportunity

What’s special about this program?

Maybe sometimes you feel alone or overwhelmed while building your business. Maybe you have big goals, but need some structure and support. We understand you! Through this program, you’ll get training, mentorship, community, and inspiring opportunities. You can do most of the program online from your home/work; with a few unique in-person experiences (like a bootcamp, a 3-day field trip, and a networking event) to bring your business to the next level.

We also believe this program is special because it’s fun and supportive, but at the same time, it’s rigorous and practical. By the end of the program, you will:

Know how to make your business unique and attract more customers.
Know how to price products appropriately, increase the number of products sold, and increase business revenue and profits.
Improve your business communication and promotion to attract more customers.
Improve financial management.
Explore how you can improve your social and environmental impact.
Build a clear business growth plan.

You are a great fit for this program if…

1. You are already operating a business / social enterprise / startup. It can be early stage, but you should already have some customers. If you have a larger business but want to launch a new product or service or grow in other ways, this program is also good for you!

2. You have a business model that focuses on one of these:

Eco-tourism
Resort & homestay in forest communities
Products that come from the forest and/or bring income to local forest communities: for example, wild honey, handicrafts, coffee, cashews, essential oils,…
Products that can help prevent deforestation: for example, bamboo, wood alternative products,…
A shop that sells products made by local communities / from the forest
Sustainable agriculture that can help prevent deforestation
Any other business model that’s trying to have a positive environmental impact in Cambodia!

3. You are motivated to learn and make your business stronger!

All your questions, answered

Am I eligible for this program if I live in the province?

Absolutely! The answer is a big “YES” — we welcome everyone, no matter where you live in Cambodia! Most of our activities are online, so you can participate from anywhere if you have a mobile device and internet access. There will be a few exciting in-person events to connect you with the real world experiences and fellow changemakers. For these in-person activities, the program will cover the cost of your transportation and accommodation.

Will this program be in Khmer?

Yes! The program will be run completely in Khmer.

Is this program free?

Yes, you don’t need to pay to be part of this program. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this amazing opportunity — apply now!

How long does the program last?

The Forest Ecopreneur Incubation Program will run from April to September 2025. Don’t delay – it’s your time to focus on your learning and your business! Over the months of the program, we’re here to support you every step to make sure it’s a valuable experience.

Does this program require a specific time commitment?

Good question! We know your time is valuable, so we’ve outlined the program to be both manageable and meaningful. We recommend setting aside around 4-5 hours a week to dive into the program. That might sound like a lot, but by participating in this program, you’re actually working on building your business at the same time!

Do I need any special technology to be part of this program?

For this program, we recommend you to use a computer or tablet, since we will be using an online learning platform. You will need a stable internet connection to use the platform and to join the meaningful weekly online meetings with your mentor and fellow entrepreneurs.

How do I apply?

You’re just a few steps away from embarking on an exciting new business journey with us. We’re here to guide you through the application process, so don’t stress. Ready to get started? Let’s go!

📽️ Step 1: Watch a Video of How to fill out the application form (optional).

📝 Step 2: Click here and complete the application form.

When is the application deadline?

You need to submit your application before midnight on 4 February 2025. But don’t wait until the last minute — make this the year you achieve your goals!

What are the key activities in the program?

Key main activities that help you build your business and engage with other changemakers:

🌟 We start the program with an in-person bootcamp in Phnom Penh.

🤝 You’ll go through our 9-part business curriculum. Don’t worry: you’ll have our support through weekly online support sessions and regular meetings with your mentor!

💡 Through special workshops with experts, you’ll understand strategies for community engagement, responsible sustainable business, measuring impact, and more!

🌳 Immerse yourself in nature, meet with local community groups, and discover how entrepreneurship and forest can thrive together through a 3-day field trip to the forest (location TBD).

What are the benefits of joining this program?

Here are the top reasons we think this program can be valuable to you:

Connect with expert mentors: Receive personalized guidance from an experienced mentor. Their mission? To help you grow and tackle your challenges and goals as an entrepreneur.
Level up your skills: Learn through a well-crafted curriculum designed to strengthen your knowledge and capabilities in core business functions.
Deepen the impact of your business: We’ll introduce you to experts (entrepreneurs, NGOs,…) who can help you develop strategies to deepen the social and environmental impact of your work.
Customized learning tools: Access practical learning materials, templates, and a tailored learning platform — all available in both Khmer and English!
Expand your network: Get introduced to potential partners, NGOs, and business and environmental experts.
Boost your visibility: Pitch your business, gain online exposure, and showcase your profile to a broad audience with support from Impact Hub Phnom Penh and our partners. By the end of the program, you’ll have a customized Executive Summary business deck you can use to attract new customers or investors.
Join a thriving community: Connect with like-minded individuals for support, collaboration, and shared growth.

Who will be the mentors in this program?

You’ll have the chance to meet a few expert mentors and find the one that’s best for you. Here’s a glimpse of the mentors from last year’s program:

Professional mentors from organizations such as UNICEF, Mission Alliance, and World Vision.
Specialists from the private sector with expertise in marketing, business analysis, and strategy.
Mentors who are experienced entrepreneurs themselves — who really feel and walk the same path as you!

Here’s what the program looked like in 2024

Growing Green Businesses: How Entrepreneurs Are Helping Safeguard Cambodia’s Forests

From sustainable tourism to forest-friendly products, we worked with 15 ventures to redefine the role of business in environmental protection. Learn all about the program in our blog post!