Kate Buchanan
Our investment in the Small Enterprise Assistance Fund (SEAF)
Across Europe, the shortage of skilled labor presents a significant challenge for engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) companies. From small subcontractors to mid-sized firms with hundreds of employees, the struggle to recruit qualified workers affects project timelines and costs.
Poland stands out as a bright spot, with the fastest-growing renewable energy market in Europe. Aiming for 50% renewable energy by 2040, Poland’s demand for EPC services in solar, wind, and other renewables is surging. Industry experts estimate a $137 billion construction potential in the country, yet 72% of Polish companies reported difficulty finding skilled workers in 2023—surpassing the global average.
This skill gap is compounded by regional instability. Ukrainian SMEs—vital players in design, engineering, and construction supply chains—have dispersed into Poland and neighboring countries seeking safety amid civil unrest. While this influx brings economic opportunity, it also results in higher costs, lost assets, and limited access to finance.
Many Ukrainian migrants are college-educated but underemployed, with limited reskilling opportunities. Ukrainian veterans similarly seek new income sources, with the EPC sector offering promising pathways.
Why the Small Enterprise Assistance Fund (SEAF)?
The Autodesk Foundation is proud to include SEAF in its Work & Prosperity portfolio. With decades of experience fostering entrepreneurship worldwide, SEAF has made over 400 investments across more than 50 countries, managing over $1.3 billion in SME debt and equity. Their efforts have created more than a million jobs and empowered over 100,000 entrepreneurs with training and investment capital.
In 2024, SEAF launched the SME Green Advancement Initiative (SGAI) in collaboration with bechtel.org, the impact infrastructure arm of Bechtel Corporation, and the Caterpillar Foundation to help bolster the economic resilience of Polish and Ukrainian small businesses by creating quality jobs with fair wages, safe conditions, and opportunities for advancement.
Autodesk Foundation’s support will ensure that the SGAI can achieve its goals of training nearly 200 SMEs and upskilling 1,000 workers over three years for the EPC industry. The most promising businesses will gain access to SEAF’s investment capital to scale their operations and generate additional jobs.
“SEAF’s work allows us to address urgent regional needs in Eastern Europe. Partnering with the Autodesk Foundation enables us to develop a tailored approach for construction and engineering startups that benefits workers, families, and the local economy for years to come”
– Peter Righi, Global Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship, SEAF
“The energy transition depends on a skilled, resilient workforce, and that starts with investing in local small businesses,” said Tam Nguyen, General Manager of bechtel.org. “Through SGAI, we’re helping Polish and Ukrainian contractors gain the technical, commercial, and digital capabilities they need to participate in Europe’s energy build-out and to contribute to Ukraine’s long-term reconstruction.”
Collaborative Impact: Tech-Driven Skills and Opportunities
Autodesk Foundation’s support will provide SMEs with access to advanced technologies and sessions on Digital EPC Solutions for Growth and How AI Can Accelerate Digital Transformation and Business Growth, helping them improve efficiency and enhance competitiveness. Betchel.org will complement this by providing technical and commercial training focused on preparing, obtaining, and managing EPC contracts throughout all phases. This synergy prepares SMEs to become subcontractors for the energy boom across Eastern Europe and contribute to rebuilding efforts in Ukraine.
Scaling a Greener, Resilient Future
If successful, SGAI will help the energy sector accelerate its transition to decarbonization, supporting global climate goals while ensuring workers thrive at every stage of this transformation. By investing in small businesses, this initiative aims to build local resilience, unlock economic potential, and foster a skilled, adaptable workforce ready for Europe’s renewable future.
Learn more about SEAF’s role in developing the next generation of construction professionals across Eastern Europe through SGAI.