Montreal (Quebec), 6 May 2025 – Canada’s bilateral Development Finance Institution, FinDev Canada, announces a USD 15 million capital contribution to EcoEnterprises Partners IV, LP (“the Fund”), a women-owned and led impact investment firm. The Fund, which targets a final close of USD 150 million, will invest in up to 20 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that support biodiversity and natural ecosystem conservation, and climate solutions in Latin America. In addition to FinDev Canada, other investors participating in the closing and launch of the Fund include IDB Invest and FMO.
FinDev Canada’s contribution, which includes a USD 7.5 million contribution from 2X Canada, a blended finance facility led by FinDev Canada and funded by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada, will enable the expansion of enterprises dedicated to advancing the low-carbon economy. The Fund will focus on the Meso-America, Northern Andes, and Amazon Basin regions, which are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
The Fund will direct 50% of its investments towards biodiversity and natural ecosystems, including sustainable forestry, ecotourism, ocean-based businesses, agriculture technology, and renewable energy. It seeks to attain a carbon-neutral portfolio by 2030. To achieve this, it will implement an approach to measure, report and reduce the emissions of its investees, which will be adopted across the Fund.
Additionally, the Fund is committed to advancing gender equality across its portfolio and within the firm. This includes directing 100% of its investments towards enterprises that enhance women’s economic participation and supporting women’s recruitment, retention and career advancement internally.
Latin America is one the world’s most biologically rich regions, home to 40% of the planet’s biodiversity and a third of freshwater resources. However, its agriculture, forestry, and other land-use sectors are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Consequently, adopting sustainable agricultural practices is critical for emissions reduction, carbon sequestration, and the protection of the region's natural ecosystems against climate change.
This transaction is FinDev Canada’s second investment with EcoEnterprises. The first investment supported SMEs in the sustainable agriculture, agroforestry, and ecotourism sectors in Colombia, Peru, Costa Rica, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Bolivia. It also strengthened financial inclusion across its portfolio through increased women representation in employment and leadership opportunities.
“FinDev Canada is proud to support EcoEnterprises Partners IV, a fund dedicated solely to enterprises supporting women’s economic empowerment. This transaction reaffirms our commitment to advancing gender equality by increasing access to finance for women-led climate initiatives. We are pleased to deepen our relationship with EcoEnterprises and work alongside FMO, and IDB Invest to accelerate sustainable development in Latin America,” said Lori Kerr, CEO, FinDev Canada.
“EcoEnterprises Partners IV will continue to identify, nurture and grow innovative businesses that drive positive change and build solutions for a more resilient, sustainable future. We are especially committed to fostering community-based initiatives, elevating women, and addressing the urgent need for natural climate solutions at scale – and we are honored to count on a strong group of stakeholders, that support our spearheading efforts as anchor investors in our fourth fund," said Tammy Newmark, CEO and Managing Partner, EcoEnterprises Fund.
About FinDev Canada
FinDev Canada is Canada’s bilateral Development Finance Institution (DFI), supporting development through the private sector. We provide financing, investment, and blended finance solutions, as well as technical assistance and advisory, to promote sustainable and inclusive growth in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs), in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Paris Agreement commitments. Find out more about FinDev Canada at www.findevcanada.ca.
About EcoEnterprises Fund
EcoEnterprises Fund offers tailored growth capital and strategic guidance to innovative impact businesses in order to scale and optimize financial, environmental and social performance. For over 20 years, the Fund has successfully proven its unique approach, managing three funds that have financed nearly 50 companies across 11 countries in Latin America. EcoEnterprises Partners IV, LP builds on its track record of delivering portfolio results while generating fair and sustainable livelihoods for local communities, and preserving our most important asset: Planet Earth.
Media Contact
FinDev Canada: Media@findevcanada.ca