Making Capital Markets Work for the Entrepreneurial Poor

MicroVest Capital Management:

• Is the first private microfinance investment firm in the U.S.;
• Is a capital-mobilizing intermediary for microfinance “banks”;
• Is operated by a professional investment management team;
• Is governed by a strong private sector board.

MicroVest I, LP (MVI): Download 2009 Annual Report (pdf)

MicroVest I global investments reach viable, proven MFIs seeking capital to continue their growth.  Instruments include debt, subordinated debt, loan guarantees, equity (with an exit strategy), and quasi-equity sub-debt. Investments are made in existing financial institutions that:

• Provide financial services to low-income based enterprises, and
• Are profitable, growth-oriented, and well-managed.

Over the last 25 years, microfinance has emerged as a powerful development tool by raising the incomes of millions of families in the developing world through supporting self-reliant entrepreneurs often excluded from the formal financial sector. Unfortunately, a growing funding gap prevents hundreds of successful microfinance institutions (MFIs) from maximizing the number of loans made available to these entrepreneurs. That’s not only business lost, but families left trapped in poverty.

MicroVest is demonstrating that private investors can do more to reverse this trend while earning a strong social return.

mPower Investment Program

The mPower Investment Program, conducted in partnership with the Calvert Social Investment Foundation (Calvert Foundation), provides investors with the opportunity to do more in the fight against global poverty while earning a financial return.  For as little as $1000, investors can purchase a Community Investment Note*, issued by the Calvert Foundation.  The full value of your investment is placed with experienced microfinance lenders selected by MicroVest and the Calvert Foundation.  The principal value of your investment is used over and over again throughout the term of your investment, as loans are repaid and reissued.  Upon maturity your investment is returned with interest.

*CI Notes are issued by the Calvert Foundation and are not mutual funds.  CI Notes are not federally insured.  CI Notes should not be confused with any Calvert Group-sponsored investment products.  

One World Community Investment Program

The OneWorld Community Investment Program is an investment in a better future by creating economic opportunities throughout the US and around the world.  OneWorld has two components:

• mPower, devoted to eliminating poverty through international microfinance
• nSpire, supporting faith-based community development projects across the US

The OneWorld Community Investment Program is made possible through an unique partnership between several organizations, including Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA), Mennonite Mutual Aid (MMA), MicroVest Capital Management, LLC (MicroVest), and Calvert Social Investment Foundation (Calvert Foundation).  By combining their expertise, these partners make it possible for investors of all sizes to direct a portion of their assets toward projects that emphasize returns that go beyond simple financial considerations.