Overview:
The NESsT Fund invests in social enterprises that are addressing the root causes of poverty for communities in Latin America.
This month, the NESsT Fund launched its second open call, seeking to support more social enterprises that improve the income opportunities, gender equity, and environmental standards of rural communities in Peru and Colombia.
In March of 2021, the NESsT Fund hosted its first open call for social innovators in Peru and Colombia. Over the course of one month, over 140 enterprises with annual sales between USD $50,000 - $2.5 million applied for funding.
Following its first open call, the NESsT Fund closed three investments, welcoming Shanantina, Kulkao, and RONAP into the loan fund portfolio with total commitments of USD $880,000.
Shanantina works with smallholder farmers and indigenous communities to cultivate sacha inchi, a nut that is native to the Peruvian Amazon, and has been used by indigenous people in Peru for more than 2,000 years.
One of the top 10 exporters of cocoa products in Peru, Kulkao developed a business model that prioritizes the social and environmental impact of its production activities, allowing it to sustain a strong relationship with indigenous cocoa farmers while securing quality organic cocoa to its global clients.
RONAP is an association that exports to the U.S. and European markets and is looking to expand into Asia. Committed to improving the livelihoods of local communities, RONAP works directly with brazil nut harvesters, ensuring that they receive a fair price for their products.
Investment Examples:
Madre de Dios, Peru
Social enterprises in the NESsT Fund portfolio operate in different regions of the Amazon, some are situated in the higher forests of San Martin while others are based in the lowland jungle regions of Madre de Dios, Peru.
Though these social enterprises work in diverse value chains with products that range from Amazonian-native nuts to sphagnum moss, they are similar in the ways in which they cultivate strong relationships with local communities and protect rainforest biodiversity through sustainable practices.
The NESsT Fund offers debt-capital with flexible terms that meet the needs of each enterprise. Entrepreneurs use NESsT’s loans for working capital, purchasing machinery or processing plants, expanding inventory, etc.
As part of the NESsT portfolio, social enterprises also have access to business mentorship and technical training that helps them to enhance their product and growth strategies.