EcoEmprende Expands Sustainability Support for MSMEs

Mexico’s EcoEmprende, led by Tecnologico de Monterrey, the National Polytechnic Institute and Mexico City’s Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, has certified 524 MSMEs and trained more than 1,000 participants to strengthen climate resilience and sustainability practices among small businesses. The initiative, together with the Centro Mexicano para la Filantropía’s decision to invite MSMEs to its ESR Distinction earlier this year, highlights the growing ESG capacity-building among Mexico’s microenterprises, which make up the majority of the country’s business base. 

——

More than 1,000 participants and 524 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) have been certified through EcoEmprende, a sustainability and climate resilience initiative led by Tecnologico de Monterrey, the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN) and Mexico City’s Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (SECTEI). The program’s first results were presented following its launch in August 2025, highlighting efforts to strengthen the sustainability and resilience of MSMEs facing climate change challenges.

In total, 524 ventures participated in the initiative, while 1,228 training certificates were issued to entrepreneurs and professionals who completed the program’s courses and workshops. According to the organizers, 76.7% of participants came from microenterprises, underscoring the program’s focus on smaller businesses that often face greater constraints in accessing sustainability training and resources.

Inés Álvarez Icaza Longoria, professor-researcher, Institute for the Future of Education, said the initiative illustrates the impact of collaboration between academic institutions and public authorities. “EcoEmprende demonstrates that collaboration between academia and government can translate into concrete benefits for the community,” Álvarez Icaza said during the presentation of the results.

Participants in the program represented a wide age range. Organizers reported strong participation from young entrepreneurs between the ages of 15 and 25, many of whom are in the early stages of building businesses. The program also attracted professionals aged 46 to 55 seeking to update their knowledge or strengthen existing business models. Sector participation reflected areas relevant to urban economic development. Retail businesses accounted for 17.7% of participating ventures, while professional, scientific and technical services represented 13.9%.

Leonardo Glasserman, professor-researcher, Institute for the Future of Education, said the program revealed an important pattern in the use of the digital learning platform. One of the most notable findings, he said, was a bimodal pattern of participation across age groups. The results suggest that interest in sustainability and applied innovation extends across generations, combining the participation of younger entrepreneurs with that of experienced business owners.

Program organizers said the initiative’s impact extends beyond training metrics. They noted that participating businesses have begun incorporating sustainability practices into their operations while improving professional skills and strengthening responsible supply chains.

Álvarez Icaza said the program’s approach seeks to bring educational innovation directly to MSMEs that often lack access to specialized sustainability training. “This model allowed educational innovation to reach SMEs directly and strengthen their economic and social development,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Mexican Center of Philanthropy (CEMEFI) has invited MSMEs to participate in its ESR Distinction program for the first time in 2026. Newly certified EcoEmprende entrepreneurs now have an opportunity to assess and benchmark the maturity of their ESG practices against larger peers within their industries. The ESR Distinction is granted annually to organizations that voluntarily undergo a structured evaluation process and demonstrate compliance with established ESG benchmarks.

According to CEMEFI, companies must submit documentary evidence supporting their policies and performance across four pillars: ethics and corporate governance, quality of life within the company, community engagement, and environmental care and management.

EcoEmprende’s Role in Climate-Focused Entrepreneurship

EcoEmprende was created in August 2025 as a joint effort between universities and public institutions to help MSMEs respond to environmental challenges linked to climate change. The program focuses on improving sustainability practices, building climate resilience and strengthening business models capable of adapting to environmental and regulatory pressures.

MSMEs represent a large share of Mexico’s business ecosystem but frequently face barriers to adopting sustainability strategies due to limited resources, technical expertise or access to training. Through EcoEmprende, organizers aimed to address those gaps by providing structured learning programs and tools that help businesses integrate environmental considerations into their operations.

The program combined academic research, government support and digital learning platforms to deliver training and workshops focused on sustainable entrepreneurship. Participants received instruction on topics including sustainable business models, climate risk awareness, responsible resource management and innovation strategies designed to support long-term competitiveness. The workshops served as a preparatory stage before certification, equipping entrepreneurs with the knowledge required to complete the program and implement changes within their businesses.

Organizers said this approach helped expand access to the program by allowing entrepreneurs from different sectors and age groups to participate. According to Glasserman, the hybrid structure contributed to the program’s bimodal participation pattern, with both younger entrepreneurs and established business owners actively using the platform.

The training phase emphasized practical applications, encouraging participants to translate sustainability principles into operational strategies for their companies. Workshops also focused on strengthening the resilience of MSMEs to environmental and economic disruptions linked to climate change.