The Inclusive Business Ecosystem Network (IBEN) is a multistakeholder collaborative platform to foster an enabling environment for inclusive and impact-focused organizations and businesses within the agriculture and food sectors. This network brings together a diverse array of stakeholders, including private sector companies, social sector organizations, government agencies, multilateral organizations, and impact focused investors among others. The network's core activities are multifaceted and centred around facilitating multi-stakeholder collaborations to support smallholder farmers, promote gender-inclusive practices, and encourage sustainable practices.
Engagement with policymakers, like-minded organizations, networks and think tanks in India and the Global South is also a key activity, aimed at designing and developing supportive policies for inclusive businesses. This includes advocacy efforts to influence policy and create a favourable regulatory environment. Knowledge-sharing and capacity-building activities, such as workshops, seminars, and research publications, further enhance the network's impact by disseminating valuable insights and best practices among stakeholders. Through these concerted efforts, the Inclusive Business Ecosystem Network aims to create a thriving ecosystem where inclusive businesses can flourish, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and sustainable food system.
Mission 
GoalEcociate, in collaboration with UN-ESCAP, worked with 19 agribusiness companies to integrate inclusive business practices into their core operations. This partnership aimed to promote equity and sustainability within the agriculture sector. Additionally, we developed customized coaching roadmaps tailored to each company's unique needs, ensuring a practical and effective approach to embedding these practices.
The initiative empowered companies to create innovative solutions that benefit smallholder farmers, with a strong emphasis on supporting women. These solutions included digital tools and gender-inclusive practices, aimed at ensuring fair pricing and promoting sustainable methods. The companies successfully implemented these solutions, leading to measurable positive impacts in the agriculture sector.
Through targeted support, these companies scaled their operations, gained industry recognition, and secured crucial funding. This growth not only expanded their impact but also reinforced the value of inclusive business models.
The program revealed a critical gap: the need for a cohesive platform to support and incentivize inclusive agribusinesses. This insight highlighted the necessity for a unified approach to bridging existing gaps and fostering growth.
The experience underscored the value of a network that includes businesses, NGOs, and government agencies. A collaborative ecosystem is essential for creating opportunities, fostering partnerships, and driving grassroots impact.
In response to these insights, the Inclusive Business Ecosystem Network (IBEN) was established. IBEN was created to unite inclusive businesses and stakeholders on a single platform, addressing the identified needs and enhancing the overall impact of inclusive agribusinesses.
We are truly honoured to be a part of the Inclusive Business Ecosystem Network (IBEN) in India. At Verstegen, we are committed now to integrating inclusivity across all our upcoming projects in India. We believe that our collaboration with IBEN will significantly contribute to fostering sustainable and inclusive growth within the agriculture and food sectors. We are delighted to support this initiative and would be proud to have our logo featured as a member of IBEN.
Project Manager - Sustainable Agriculture & Agroforestry. Verstegen Spices & Sauces B.V., NL
I would like to extend my congratulations to colleagues at IBEN for the remarkable work you are doing in supporting start-ups and fostering an inclusive model, as well as providing valuable networking opportunities. We greatly appreciate the initiative to create an Inclusive Business Ecosystem Network. We are optimistic that this network will offer significant opportunities for mutual learning, business connections, and enhanced visibility for our respective efforts. We look forward to collaborating more closely with you and benefiting from your guidance on expanding our work.
Co-Founder & Head-Value Chain Dvara E-Registry, India
