On 10 July 2025, the GREET CE project hosted a strategic webinar as part of the Eco Construction Pilot, focusing on one of the most critical aspects of sustainable innovation: how to access capital for real market entry and scale-up.

The session gathered 20 participants from across Central Europe – including Slovenia, Croatia, Poland, Romania, and beyond – with the goal of strengthening the financial competences of SMEs in the green and circular construction sector.

Two guest speakers offered expert insight into alternative financing models that are already making a difference on the ground:

🔹 Manuel Nina, representing Goparity, introduced their crowdlending platform, which enables citizen-powered investments in sustainability. With over €50 million in sustainable projects financed, Goparity’s model is a clear example of how participatory finance can drive real change and connect communities and projects — including in construction, circular economy, and renewable energy.

🔹 Mykhajlo Tudorov, from Nekster, presented concrete approaches to unlocking internal liquidity and building investor-readiness for SMEs. From growth funding strategies to aligning risk profiles with capital providers, Nekster supports the development of sound, bankable business models.

💬 The presentations were followed by an interactive Q&A and peer exchange, offering participating companies actionable tools to navigate the complex financing landscape. The event also highlighted the importance of aligning private capital with public goals — in line with EU policy instruments such as the I3 initiative (Interregional Innovation Investments), coordinated by EISMEA and next GREET CE eco construction thematic webinar-HOW TO APPLY FOR I3 INSTRUMENT FUNDS TO SUPPORT YOUR INOVATION.

📥 Download materials:
• Presentation: Crowdlending for Eco Construction – GoParity (PDF)
• Invitation Flyer – Alternative Financial Instruments Webinar (PDF)

🔗 We warmly encourage all interested stakeholders to follow and explore the work of these two financial innovators:
• Goparity – Sustainable Crowdlending Platform
• Nekster – Liquidity and Growth Financing

This event was part of the GREET CE knowledge transfer track, supporting the growth of SME capacities in green transition. Stay tuned for our upcoming webinar, which will focus on writing successful applications for the EU I3 programme.

For more information, contact us at: zgigm@gzs.si