Sprout Enterprise® 2023 Impact: Funding Business Development
Creating Sustainable Livelihoods for Rural Communities.
Created in partnership with Realize Impact, the R.I.S.E. Artisan Fund invests in early stage artisan enterprises addressing three key impact investment themes:
women’s empowerment
sustainability
climate change.
This year, we invested in Karghewale and ÉCHALE, and funded market development initiatives of seven companies from seven countries. We also continue to provide marketing and business development support to www.tilonia.com and www.sproutenterprise.net.
Since inception, we have provided:
More than $1.63 million in sustainable development grants internationally.
Generated more than $765,000 in international sales augmenting the growth of our partners.
Promoted more than 40 artisan enterprises generating livelihoods for more than 6,200 artisans and farmers.
Created economic opportunities for women and girls in rural India.
This year, we provided funding to support:
The Kaliyachak Girls School in rural Bihar, India providing education and vocational training to more than 140 girls.
Twelve design workshops with 26 weavers of San Bartolo Yautepec in Oaxaca, Mexico, culminating in two exhibitions and the launch of the Du Xhil - San Bartolo Yautepec Collection.
Sales and marketing support through Sprout Enterprise®, Tilonia® and R.I.S.E. Artisan Fund for more than 40 artisan enterprises creating livelihoods in rural communities in nine countries.
Presentation of impact opportunities with 22 early stage artisan enterprises to impact investors and charitable funders.
We expect these enterprises to have defined and track impact metrics aligned with one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The enterprises in our portfolio have a clear mission to increase incomes to underserved communities, preserve heritage craft, and address the environmental impact of their production.
Creating a Reinvestment Cycle.
The R.I.S.E Artisan Fund deploys capital using a range of investment vehicles from grants to revenue-based equity investments while seeking a return of capital for further investment, creating a reinvestment cycle that multiplies the catalytic impact of philanthropic capital.
Funding Business Development of Artisan Enterprises.
R.I.S.E Artisan Fund partners with ByHand Consulting, Powered by People, and Trade+Impact in implementing our market development grant program. Initial funding for the program has been provided by the Rucker/Gibbs Family Charitable Fund.
Funding by the Marvin and Sylvia Rubin Family Foundation supported the social design project leading to the formation and launch this year of the weavers’ collective Du Xhil - San Bartolo Yautepec.
An annual grant by So Hum Foundation supports our partnership with Hatheli Sansthan and the operation of www.tilonia.com creating livelihoods for artisans in rural India.
Make an Impact.
Our portfolio of impact opportunities includes artisan enterprises:
empowering women by creating local and home- based income opportunities, valuing their skills and knowledge, and improving the quality of life for their families,
operating sustainably by reusing and recycling waste materials, sourcing local, natural materials, and honoring local traditions and cultures,
fighting climate change through innovations in clean energy, reforestation and biodiversity.
We make it easy for you to become an impact investor by using your philanthropic capital to support the enterprises in our portfolio.
Learn more about these impact opportunities and join us in making an impact.