SAFE Forest Restoration Incubation Program

An online business training program to support initiatives that safeguard and restore natural ecosystems

entrepreneurs

70 %

reported higher confidence in running their business after the program

About the SAFE Forest Restoration Incubation Program

Small businesses have a huge potential role to play in forest protection in addition to local economic development. The Sustaining an Abundance of Forest Ecosystems (SAFE) Incubation Program helps local businesses linked to forest restoration and forest communities learn, connect, and expand their businesses. The program utilizes our partner Bridge for Billions’ globally recognized business curriculum and online learning platform, complemented by additional in-person and online programming.

We’re currently supporting 15 initiatives and early-stage ventures in Cambodia through the program. Learn more about them and get in touch if you’d like to be part of our upcoming events!

Meet the inspiring changemakers

Boromey Soap

Crafted liquid soap made locally by communities, especially Indigenous minority groups, in Ratanakiri Province using locally sourced ingredients like turmeric, lemongrass, lemon, and avocado

Kon Prey

A start-up educational outreach initiative focused on raising awareness of climate and environment, paired with a plant shop to help urban dwellers connect to greenery and forest

3CORsECO

processes and markets cashew and other tree nut products, partnering with Indigenous communities in Kampong Thom and Preah Vihear to develop deforestation-free income opportunities.

Learn More »

Agri-Eco Product

Aiming to become a middle-man buyer to create market linkages for local agricultural products, while offering products and technical support services to help farmers grow more sustainably

Eco Impact

A new initiative to bring accessible information about climate change and environment to young people in Cambodia through digital platforms

Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre

The Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre is Southeast Asia’s largest outdoor butterfly exhibit. Ticket revenue supports local poverty alleviation and conservation projects.

Learn More »

Indigenous Agriculture

Supporting sustainable farming practices within the Indigenous community of Pu Pnong in the Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary to prevent deforestation

Bamboo Eco

produces bamboo cups and other handicrafts, personalized with Khmer artwork and customer-requested designs, working directly with local communities

Learn More »

Business Curriculum

From marketing to financial planning to measuring impact (and more!), the Bridge for Billions online learning platform covers the fundamentals of launching a business. Entrepreneurs progressed through the interactive platform, and we provided additional support through one-on-one and group checkpoint sessions.

Dedicated Mentoring

Mentoring was a significant part of the program. Our inspiring mentors dedicated dozens of hours per entrepreneur over the course of a few months, providing individualized advice and guiding the entrepreneurs through the modules of the online platform.

Real-World Exposure

Every entrepreneur needs some inspiration and examples! Through sessions with guest experts and a field trip to local forest communities in Kampong Thom, our entrepreneurs gained deeper insights into responsible business, forest restoration, and local livelihood development.

In their words

“The SAFE Incubation Program helped turn my idea into something tangible,” shares entrepreneur Sophanuth. Meet a few of the entrepreneurs in the program and discover their journeys through the program!

At the end of the program...

80 %

of entrepreneurs reported improved ability to structure their business

90 %

improved their understanding of their customer segments

70 %

have a clearer vision for their business and are able to better plan and define scenarios

70 %

learned how to test the business viability of their venture

An online business training program to support initiatives that safeguard and restore natural ecosystems

entrepreneurs

reported higher confidence in running their business after the program

About the SAFE Forest Restoration Incubation Program