Investing in a Sustainable Future.
Our Approach
The R.I.S.E. Artisan Fund invests in and supports early-stage artisan enterprises creating sustainable livelihoods for rural communities with few economic alternatives. The fund is managed by Sprout Enterprise®.
Thanks to the generous support of our contributors, the R.I.S.E. Artisan Fund will be making investments this year of between $15,000 to $35,000 in artisan enterprises creating livelihoods in rural communities. We are inviting applications from enterprises which we promote via Sprout Enterprise® as well as from nominations by colleagues within our network, and we are actively recruiting funders and impact investors to join us in investing in artisan enterprises.
Our preference is for revenue-based investments with a return of capital within 3 to 5 years. We expect enterprises to be ready to make use of loans for working capital or asset purchases, or to use purchase advances or factoring to finance production for international buyers.
Our goal is to create a revolving fund for future investment in artisan enterprises with sufficient returns to support educational opportunities for girls and vocational training programs for young women in rural communities in emerging markets. We expect a return of capital on the investments we make.
Enterprise Development Framework
We use the R.I.S.E. Artisan Fund Enterprise Framework to assess artisan enterprise development. Enterprises qualifying for investment will most likely be at stage 3 or 4 of their enterprise development. Investment capital will enable these enterprises to reach the next stage of development and prepare them to scale successfully.
We expect artisan enterprises to have defined and track impact metrics aligned with one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. These enterprises are redesigning business models based on sustainable and ethical business practices, skills development and training, revitalization of heritage crafts and shared ownership.
Market Development Program
The R.I.S.E. Artisan Fund Market Development Program supports artisan enterprises seeking to increase sales in international markets by offering grants for their investment in marketing, product development or production. Enterprises qualifying for grants will most likely be at stage 2 or 3 of their enterprise development.
Established artisan enterprises with a clear mission to increase incomes to underserved communities, preserve traditional craft techniques, and address environmental impact are being invited to apply. Application is by invitation only.
Introduction to the Market Development Program
Karen Gibbs, Co-Founder of ByHand Consulting
Karen is co-founder of ByHand Consulting, a boutique consulting firm which creates marketing strategies to increase sales for global artisan enterprises, develops business coaching programs for social entrepreneurs, and forms sourcing partnerships to bring innovative handmadeproducts to market.