About the EcoEnterprises Fund

EcoEnterprises Fund includes two components:

• an investment fund that provides venture capital to profitable businesses involved in sustainable agriculture, sustainable forestry, ecotourism, and other environmentally compatible businesses; and
   
• technical assistance funds to provide business advisory services to prospective projects.

Since 2000, EcoEnterprises Fund has invested more than $6 million in capital and $350,000 in technical assistance in 23 projects.  Through its efforts, an additional $25 million in co-investments and nearly $75 million in follow-on project financing was leveraged.  Collectively, the Fund’s portfolio companies have worked with 200 NGOs and community groups, created nearly 700 jobs, impacted the lives of 145,000 people, and generated $90 million in sales.  Portfolio projects have helped to restore and protect habitat, conserve biological corridors, and promote the sustainable management of natural resources. 

EcoEnterprises Fund invests in ventures at all stages of all development.  Preference is given to businesses that are unable to secure financing from conventional sources due to their small size, the innovative nature of their business and/or the financial risks involved.  The companies are required to collaborate with a nonprofit conservation or community partner, either by paying fees for monitoring services, sharing profits, or other financial arrangements.  In this way, the Fund ensures that business success promotes conservation progress.