Spotlight on Ecuador | Armando Calderon | Faces

Investing in Innovation: Armando Calderon's Journey from Soil to White Gravel in Transforming Lettuce Farming

At Enabling Qapital, we are committed to making inv estments that create lasting impacts. Through our collaboration with FACES, an organization dedicated to supporting rural micro-entrepreneurs in Ecuador, we have witnessed numerous success stories that highlight the power of strategic financial support. One such story is that of Armando Calderon, a determined and innovative lettuce farmer. 

Investing in emerging markets requires a nuanced approach that goes beyond mere financial calculations. It involves recognizing unique opportunities and addressing specific challenges. At Enabling Qapital, we place great emphasis on the potential of secondary private equity (PE) investments and the concept of additionality to foster sustainable development and economic growth. Let us explore how these two approaches work in tandem to create meaningful impact.

Why EQ?

Your company's mission to help those in need achieve their goals inspires me to work with you. Additionally, the opportunity to work in an international environment is particularly appealing to me.

Areas of Expertise?

Research-Data, Analysis-Development Sector, Financial Inclusion

On August 1, 2024, Alexandra Borja, one of our Investment Execution Officer at Enabling Qapital, attended the Swiss National Day celebration at the residence of the Swiss Embassy in Quito, Ecuador. This event marked the 733rd anniversary of the Swiss Confederation's founding and provided a valuable opportunity for reinforcing our international connections in the financial sector.

Why EQ?

A great opportunity to continue serving in the impact sector specifically by increasing financial inclusion to the underserved.

Supporting Fundación Génesis Empresarial alongside FMO and other partners to foster sustainable economic growth in Guatemala.

Why Enabling Qapital?

I am passionate about working on projects that speak to social and economic needs of communities and excited to be part of the team at EQ that will deploy resources to investments in clean energy and financial inclusion to empower people while embracing the planet.

What inspired you to join Enabling Qapital?

I was drawn to Enabling Qapital because of its people and their values. It's inspiring to work with a team that has a strong sense of purpose. Traveling to meet the super-talented team, and to see how everyone is so focused on trying to make a difference, has been such a pleasure.

What inspired you to join Enabling Qapital?

I have a background in (and personal passion for) impact investment, which I wanted to put to good use with a company with a clear vision and that shows sustainable growth in this space. EQ stood out, in terms of their performance compared to peers, the quality and vision of the management team, and the potential for meaningful societal impact. I’ve been very impressed so far and look forward to supporting EQ in the next stage of its growth.

Enabling Qapital (EQ) was founded in early 2020 with the goal of investing institutional funds sustainably and with attractive returns, guided by the mission of 'Moving Money to Meaning'. Since then, EQ has experienced remarkable growth and now manages assets worth 700 million US dollars with over 50 employees in the areas of Private Debt/Microfinance, Access to Energy, and Clean Cooking. Enabling Qapital is B-Corp certified and collaborates with over 150 microfinance and clean cooking companies, thereby reaching more than 400,000 small and micro-entrepreneurs across over 45 emerging countries.

Amid the bustling villages of rural Kenya, individuals like Mary Malelu embarked on entrepreneurial journeys, striving to make ends meet with limited resources. Despite her perseverance, she faced challenges accessing the financial resources she needed to expand her ventures.

At EQ, we strongly believe that Earth Day should be celebrated every day. More than just a corporate goal, it's a way of life, a shared passion, and a collective responsibility we’ve all set out to embrace as best we can.  

Enabling Impact in Indonesia
Voices of Change: Mrs. Nur | Esta Dana Ventura

In Gunung Sindur, West Java, Mrs. Nuridah (Mrs. Nur), and her husband Pak Mahmud faced a significant challenge when he lost his job in 2022. Determined to provide for their family and support their daughter's university education, Mrs. Nur decided to utilize her knitting skills to start a knitting bag-making business. With the help of a business capital loan and training from Esta Dana Ventura (EDV), she transformed her passion into a thriving enterprise.

Why Enabling Qapital?

I've been closely monitoring Enabling Qapital since its inception, and I must say, I'm thoroughly impressed by its exceptional team and their profound expertise in impact investing within emerging markets. Collaborating with a Swiss Firm, which boasts a network of local professionals spanning over 10 developing countries, presents an unparalleled opportunity for both my investors and me.

Embark on the journey of Armando, a lettuce producer, as he navigates the world of agriculture with FACES by his side. Witness how their support has helped him overcome obstacles and achieve success in his rural entrepreneurship endavors.

Enabling Impact in Ecuador
Voices of change: Alexandria Garcia | Faces

At EQ, we are dedicated to fueling growth that makes a lasting impact. Through our partnership with FACES, a leading financial institution in Latin America, we’ve had the privilege of supporting microentrepreneurs like Alexandria Garcia, whose inspiring journey shows how small beginnings can lead to substantial business success.

Enabling Impact in Tajikistan
Voices of Change: Oisha Madalieva | Humo

Oisha Madalieva aspired to pursue a career in IT, but faced significant obstacles in Tajikistan. The country's IT sector had low female employment rates, and education costs were prohibitively expensive for her. 

Enabling Impact in Ecuador

Voices of Change: Galapagos Flores | Produbanco

At EQ, we focus on providing capital that drives sustainable development. One of our key success stories is Galapagos Flores, a leader in Ecuador’s flower industry for over 30 years. Through our partnership with Produbanco, we’ve helped Galapagos Flores expand and contribute to local communities while reaching international markets.

SME loans are tailored to meet the financial requirements of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), a pivotal sector renowned for fostering substantial employment opportunities at comparatively lower capital outlays, while also driving industrial growth in rural locales. With their substantial contributions to domestic production, marked increase in export revenues, and operational adaptability, SMEs play a key role in a country's development.

Abishov Razim Husan, a valued customer of AccessBank CJSC’s Barda branch, resides in Gapanli village, Tartar region, where he manages a family-run animal breeding business with his three sons. Facing challenges in obtaining funding from other banks due to the front-line location of his village, Abishov turned to AccessBank in 2011 for support in expanding his household.

Enabling Qapital (EQ) is actively engaged in more than 50 Emerging Markets. Since the inception of EQ, each business year begins with a planning session in which the past is reviewed, and different scenarios for the upcoming year are discussed and planned for. The aim is to be as well-prepared as possible for whatever changes may occur, recognizing that in Emerging Markets, change is the only constant.

What an inspiring week at #AFIForum 2024 in Bangkok!

During our recent field trip with investors and partners, one of the highlights was the invitation to the Swiss Embassy in Nairobi. We had the privilege of attending a Dinner hosted by Valentin Zellweger, the esteemed Swiss Ambassador, and Dr. Steve Tharakan, Deputy Head of Mission.

We believe in the transformative power of education to change lives and communities. As we celebrate the International Day of Education 2024, we seize this opportunity to underscore our commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 4 – Quality Education. This year’s theme, ‘Learning for Lasting Peace,’ resonates deeply with our mission.

Enabling Impact in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Voices of Change - SMG SA – Ms Mamie

Société de Microfinance Guilgal (SMG SA) is a microfinance institution operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Established in 2020, following the transformation of COOPEC GUILGAL created in 2012, SMG SA currently has nine branches across six provinces. The institution aims to provide financial services to individuals and small businesses that lack access to traditional banking services.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) kicked off in Davos on January 15th, 2024. One of our Co-founders and Managing partners, Remo Oswald attended the House of Switzerland panel discussion on financing just transitions. 

Chandrani Podder, Subhojeet Chatterjee, Elisabetta Bertotti, and Abdul Rehman Ijaz are gearing up for AFIFORUM – Asia Financial Institutions Forum!

In the dynamic economic landscape of Azerbaijan, the story of ART RIGHT LLC stands out as a testament to AccessBank’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship. Gurbanov Tariyel, the founder of ART RIGHT LLC, embarked on his journey with AccessBank on September 14, 2017. At that time, Tariyel was involved in food sales with his father, and started with a modest business capital of AZN 15,000.