Portfolio Partner Profile

BlueOrchard Latin America and the Caribbean Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Fund

The BlueOrchard Latin America and the Caribbean Gender, Diversity and Inclusion (LAC GDI) Fund advances the financial inclusion of women, indigenous, afro-descendants, and other underserved groups in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Fund does this by supporting regional financial institutions (including local banks, microfinance institutions, NGOs and cooperatives) in providing financial products and services to this target group. LAC GDI’s Technical Assistance Facility assists partner financial institutions in developing and improving their internal diversity and inclusion capabilities and financial products.

BlueOrchard (BlueOrchard Finance Ltd) is a leading global impact investment manager with a robust track record in emerging market financial inclusion. BlueOrchard was founded in 2001, by initiative of the UN, as the world’s first commercial manager of microfinance debt investments worldwide, and is now a member of the Schroders Group.

Calvert Impact Capital has developed a strong long-standing relationship with BlueOrchard since 2004 and is also invested in the BlueOrchard Microfinance Fund and BlueOrchard InsuResilience Investment Fund.

Featured Impact Story

Impact Story

ENLACE

Enlace, a non-regulated non-banking financial institution based in El Salvador, has steadily worked to expand financial opportunities for underserved communities.

A defining feature of Enlace is its ongoing commitment to women’s economic inclusion, and currently, 78% of its clients are women. This focus extends internally, with women making up 74% of the Enlace workforce.

Since joining the LAC GDI portfolio in 2023, Enlace has reiterated its intention to maintain a strong focus on women’s financial inclusion and to enhance its organisational commitments to gender, diversity, and inclusion. By creating more accessible pathways for women to obtain credit and take on leadership roles, Enlace aims to foster lasting positive change for clients, staff, and the wider community.

This case study is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, investment, or financial advice.

Impact Story

FACES

The Fundación de Apoyo Comunitario y Social del Ecuador (FACES), an Ecuadorian non-governmental organisation founded in 1991, has steadily expanded its role in promoting financial inclusion in the country. By September 2024, FACES had expanded its reach to nearly 30,000 loan clients through a network of 25 branches across Ecuador. Recognising the critical role women play in local economies, FACES set out to increase the participation of women microentrepreneurs within its client portfolio. Their efforts proved successful, with women representing 51.8% of the organisation’s clients as of September 2024.

In direct response to the unique challenges faced by female microentrepreneurs, FACES developed PROMUJER, a dedicated financial product designed specifically for women. PROMUJER distinguishes itself from standard offerings by providing a longer loan term and, notably, by removing the requirement of a spouse’s signature—thereby granting women greater autonomy and flexibility in managing their businesses.

To further enhance its impact, FACES engaged with LAC GDI for technical assistance in 2025. This partnership aimed not only to expand the benefits available to women clients but also to strengthen gender, diversity, and inclusion (GDI) practices within the organisation itself. Through this collaboration, FACES refined its female-focused product features, implemented gender-sensitive staff training, and adopted more inclusive policies throughout the company.

This case study is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, investment, or financial advice.

Impact Story

Financiera FAMA

Financiera FAMA, a regulated financial institution based in Managua, Nicaragua, plays a key role in supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners across the country. With nearly 40,000 borrowers served through a network of 27 agencies, FAMA contributes to fostering local enterprise and stimulating community development.

The institution is also notable for its inclusive approach—69% of FAMA’s clients are women, and half of its employees are women, reflecting a strong commitment to gender balance and opportunity.

One of FAMA’s many success stories is Luzmari Boutique, a small store in Managua specialising in affordable American clothing sourced from second-hand items. In January 2024, Luzmari Boutique received its first loan from Financiera FAMA to maintain inventory and keep the shelves stocked with new merchandise. As the business grew and customer demand increased, the boutique returned to FAMA in January 2025 for a second loan—this time to invest in store improvements and elevate the shopping experience.

Stories like Luzmari Boutique reflect the impact of accessible, well-structured financial support. By helping small businesses thrive, particularly those led by women, Financiera FAMA continues to support economic empowerment and resilience within Nicaraguan communities.

This case study is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, investment, or financial advice.