1 yr
social innovation grant
$75K
in funding
1024
Ecobodegas stores currently active
2,458
benefitted families
Learn More
⇣
Challenge
In Latin America, the gap between the rich and poor has yet to be bridged, and families struggle to put healthy food on the table.
Solution
Connective Impact made a key funding connection between FUNDES Catalyst and Cisco Foundation to empower social innovation, increase access to healthier food options through inclusive value chains and empower small local agro-ecological producers in Latin America.
"We are delighted to partner with the Cisco Foundation for Ecobodegas! Our collaboration aims to increase access to healthier food options through inclusive value chains and empower small local agro-ecological producers in Latin America. Our gratitude to the Connective Impact Network for this connection and supporting our mission of promoting sustainable development by enabling micro and small businesses to thrive, not just survive."
- Corentin Larue, FUNDES Catalyst Managing Director
Long Term Impact
Through this funding opportunity, the Cisco Foundation supported FUNDES Catalyst's venture studio "EcoBodegas," placing healthy farm-sourced food directly on community shelves. Simultaneously, it empowered small retailers to innovate and compete with larger brands.
EcoBodegas has revolutionized micro-businesses and small production plants with inadequate infrastructure. Formerly limited in product variety, facing suboptimal packaging and a lack of network and client base due to new market entry, these sole distribution channels now benefit from EcoBodegas' white label branding, improved packaging, and access to distribution channels across traditional retail. A percentage of these small local agro-ecological producers have even joined the National Association of Ecological and Fair Trade Producers.
The impact venture studio in Latin America strategically employs accessible technology to address daily challenges faced by micro-businesses and their ecosystems. It establishes social enterprises and tech solutions, unlocking the potential of micro-businesses to combat poverty. FUNDES Catalyst, while embracing entrepreneurship as a catalyst for sustainable growth, advocates for scalable business models that perpetuate a lasting impact.
Looking ahead, FUNDES Catalyst ambitiously aims to equip millions (1M by 2026) of subsistence entrepreneurs with tools to thrive, not just survive. Aligned with the goals of job creation and fostering community-driven change, FUNDES Catalyst leverages its ability to aggregate needs, demand, and supply for social enterprises lacking access to market, capital, and education. This support overcomes barriers and facilitates growth, enabling these enterprises to generate livelihoods for their communities.
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