Certification Programme for Green Business Trainers
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Online
Certification Programme for Green Business Trainers
14 September–18 December 2026
The course is available in English
Introduction to the course
The future of business is increasingly green. Climate change, environmental degradation and changing market expectations are transforming the way companies operate. For small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries, adopting greener practices can create new business opportunities, improve efficiency and reduce costs. However, many SMEs require guidance to integrate environmental sustainability into their products, services and operations. This is where trainers, advisors and SME support organisations play a crucial role. The Certification Programme for Green Business Trainers equips trainers, consultants and advisors with the knowledge, tools and practical training materials needed to support SMEs in their transition towards greener and more competitive business models. Participants will gain practical knowledge of key green business concepts, access ready-to-use training materials, and develop the skills needed to design and deliver green business training programmes for SMEs and entrepreneurs.
Who attends this course?
The programme targets organisations and professionals supporting SMEs and entrepreneurs in developing countries. It is particularly relevant for:
- SME support organisations
- Business development service providers
- Trainers and consultants
- Programme managers working with entrepreneurship or sustainability programmes
- Incubators and accelerators seeking to integrate environmental sustainability into their programmes
- Financial institutions supporting SMEs
- Professionals from other backgrounds who wish to develop a foundational understanding of green business and the ability to train SMEs on environmental sustainability
Objective
The programme provides participants with a solid foundation in green business concepts and practical tools to support small and medium enterprises in adopting environmentally sustainable practices.
Participants will develop a broad understanding of environmental sustainability in business and learn how to navigate the wide range of concepts and tools associated with green business.
The main content of the programme includes:
- What is green business? Drivers and challenges for businesses
- Different approaches to green business
- Climate change and greenhouse gas emissions
- Life-cycle management
- Resource efficiency and cleaner production
- Environmental management systems (EMS)
- Eco-certification and labelling
- Enterprise opportunities in the circular economy
- Sustainability Reporting for SMEs
- Introduction to green finance
- Green entrepreneurship methodologies
- Training tools, tips and recommendations
The course uses the ITCILO/GIZ/UNEP Green Business Guide and Green Business Training Manual as core reference materials. Building on these resources, the programme expands the content to ensure trainers develop a strong conceptual understanding as well as practical training skills.
Participants will learn how to train, advise and coach SMEs and entrepreneurs to improve existing businesses or develop new green business opportunities.
Learning objectives
This programme will provide participants the ability to:
- understand the fundamentals of green business and environmental sustainability in relation to SMEs
- analyse drivers, opportunities and challenges for businesses transitioning to greener models
- apply key sustainability tools such as greenhouse gas accounting, life-cycle thinking, resource efficiency and environmental management systems
- identify green business opportunities including circular economy solutions and sustainable entrepreneurship
- design and deliver training programmes on green business for SMEs and entrepreneurs
- use the ITCILO/GIZ/UNEP Green Business Guide and Training Manual to support SMEs in developing greener products, services and processes
- apply practical tools and templates to support SMEs in implementing green business practices
Programme
The Certification Programme for Green Business Trainers consists of a core learning phase followed by a trainers’ certification phase that enables participants to apply their knowledge in practice.
Phase 1: Core Programme (14 September – 9 October 2026)
Phase 1 provides participants with a comprehensive introduction to green business concepts and training methodologies through interactive live sessions, practical exercises and self-guided learning.
The core programme includes:
- 13 instructor-led sessions:
- 10 webinars focusing on key green business concepts and their practical application for SMEs
- 3 sessions focused on training design, facilitation skills and delivery methods
- 6 self-guided learning modules (downloadable for offline study)
- 5 practical training sessions led by participants with feedback from trainers and peers
Participants who successfully complete the core programme will obtain a Certificate of Participation.
Total time commitment: 40 hours
Phase 2: Trainers’ Certification Programme (11 October – 18 December 2026)
During this phase, participants apply the knowledge and tools acquired by organising and delivering a green business training programme for at least 10 SMEs or entrepreneurs.
To obtain certification, participants must submit:
- Training agenda
- List of participants
- Training evaluation results
- Two video recordings (10–12 minutes each) of training delivery
Participants who successfully complete this phase will obtain a Certificate of Achievement as a Green Business Trainer.
Total time commitment: 50 hours
Please download the Information Note (brochure) available at the top right of the page for the full course schedule.
Green Business Trainer Toolkit and resources
Participants will receive a comprehensive set of training materials and practical resources to support both learning and delivery of training programmes.
Core reference materials
- ITCILO/GIZ/UNEP Green Business Guide
- Green Business Training Manual
Trainer Toolkit includes
- Ready-to-use training slide decks (editable)
- Training needs assessment template
- Feedback and evaluation forms
- Knowledge check and exam questions
- Template certificate of participation
- Marketing materials
- Practical green business tools
E-Campus
Participants have access to ITCILO’s electronic campus, where they can find:
- Information about the course structure and participants
- Self-guided learning modules
- All training materials
- Green Business Guide and Trainers’ Guide
The E-Campus is accessible 24 hours a day, including for at least one year after the end of the course.
What participants said about previous editions
Participants from previous editions highlighted the practical nature of the course and the usefulness of the training materials for working with SMEs.
The following feedback comes from the satisfaction questionnaires of participants in the 2024 and 2025 editions of this course.
“The programme was exceptionally well structured, combining high-quality content with practical tools that can be directly applied to real SME contexts.”
“The training was exceptionally well facilitated, creating an inclusive and engaging learning environment that balanced theory with practice.”
“The materials were comprehensive and relevant, and the expertise of the trainers made the sessions engaging and informative.”
Additional information
Costs
The participation fee is 1.375 Euros
A limited number of partial scholarships may be available for qualified candidates from developing countries. Requests will be considered only after submission of a complete application.
Registration
Participants are invited to fill in the online application form by 7 September 2026:
https://oarf2.itcilo.org/DST/A9719153/en
More information
For more information, please contact us at: enterprise@itcilo.org.
Common questions
1. Do I need prior knowledge of environmental sustainability?
No. The programme is designed as a foundational course and introduces key concepts in an accessible way. Participants from different professional backgrounds are welcome.
2. Who is this course for?
The programme is designed for trainers, consultants, SME support organisations and professionals who want to support small businesses in adopting greener practices.
Previous participants have included professionals working in international cooperation organisations, non-governmental organisations, national and municipal governments, business associations, and SME support organisations, as well as independent consultants and trainers, including trainers from the ILO Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) programme.
Courses typically include 20–35 participants from different countries and continents, creating a diverse and interactive learning environment.
3. How intensive is the course and how much time is required?
The core programme is intensive and requires around 10 hours per week, combining live sessions and self-paced learning.
4. What is the structure of the programme?
The course has two phases:
- Phase 1: Core learning programme (approx. 40 hours)
- Phase 2: Optional certification phase where participants deliver their own training programme (approx. 50 hours)
5. Do I need to attend live sessions?
Participants are encouraged to attend at least 80% of live sessions, but recordings are available if you cannot join.
6. What language is the course delivered in?
The course is conducted in English. Participants need a working level to follow sessions and participate in activities.
7. Will I receive a certificate?
Yes.
- Phase 1: Certificate of Participation
- Phase 2: Certificate of Achievement (upon completing all requirements)
8. Are the training materials reusable?
Yes. Participants receive editable training materials, tools and templates that can be adapted and reused.
9. How long will I have access to the course materials?
Participants have access to the ITCILO E-Campus during the course and for at least one year after completion.
10. What will I be able to do after completing the course?
You will gain practical knowledge, tools and training materials to design and deliver green business training programmes for SMEs and entrepreneurs.
The programme is primarily designed to train trainers who can support SMEs in adopting greener practices. To do so, it also provides a solid introduction to the key concepts and tools used in environmental sustainability.
After completing the course, you will be able to apply some of the simpler tools directly with SMEs, particularly those with relatively straightforward operations. The extent to which you can advise companies independently will depend on your professional background and prior experience.
