About Us

 

EcoEnterprises Fund offers capital to environmentally and socially responsible businesses in Latin America and the Caribbean.  The Fund includes an investment fund through which it provides venture financing to profitable businesses involved in sustainable agriculture (including organic, apiculture, and aquaculture), non-timber forest products, sustainable forestry, and ecotourism.  

By 2010, the Fund will invest in approximately 20 small- to medium-scale ventures that:

  • Employ sound environmental practices in their operations;
  • Provide financial benefits to the community and local environmental organizations;
  • Pass rigorous environmental and social screens; and
  • Meet the Fund's financial criteria.
All ventures are required to have a nonprofit environmental or community organization as a collaborator.  Businesses in the Fund's portfolio range from new ventures launched by nonprofit organizations to established companies that pay fees to a local conservation partner.  Preference is given to environmental entrepreneurs who are unable to secure financing from conventional sources due to the small size of their companies, the innovative nature of their businesses, and/or the financial risks involved.

The Fund has contracted The Nature Conservancy to serve as fund manager.  Through The Nature Conservancy, prospective and portfolio companies can apply for limited technical assistance funds for business advisory services.  Please visit http://www.nature.org/initiatives/programs/ecofund/about/ for more information.

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