We believe traditional entrepreneurs are the fundamental building block for Latin America’s long-term stability and prosperity.
But we are also pragmatic enough to know that they need to transform their perspective, practices, and tools to stay relevant and become more resilient.
That’s why we offer them practical on-the-ground expertise, a strong network of corporate and government partners, and a range of innovative technology solutions to help them succeed in today’s rapidly changing markets.
OUR STORY
A journey of spirit, cooperation,
and change.
FUNDES was founded in 1984 in response to a devastating wave of unemployment that hit the continent. Our founder, Stephan Schmidheiny was convinced that traditional entrepreneurs could be the best development opportunity for Latin America, and he was determined to be part of the answer.
He created an organization that gave micro-entrepreneurs access to credit to create jobs and contribute to growth. Gradually, FUNDES moved away from its original activity of financial support to focus on innovative ways to help micro and small businesses reach their full potential as changemakers.
We have built large-scale development programs around small businesses with corporations, foundations, governments, and international organizations.
After nearly 40 years, the same conviction still drives in 1984 in response to a devastating wave of unemployment spirit and celebrate the courage and passion it takes to build a small business here in Latin America.
OUR PURPOSE
We empower, digitize, and nurture small business owners from the traditional economy. Our solutions unlock their potential as changemakers for their community, their habitat, and all those who depend on them.
OUR FOOTPRINT
Countries with active projects: Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Brasil, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay.
Hubs: Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, Peru.
We are represented in the United States, Latin America, and Europe.
OUR FOOTPRINT
Countries with active projects: Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Brasil, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay.
Hubs: Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, Peru.
We are represented in the United States, Latin America, and Europe.
Our impact
More than 35 years speaking the language of MSMEs
multinational companies
governments,
development agencies
and foundations
in the region
million MSME´s
brought together
presence in
17 Latin American
countries
Impact 2021
TOTAL PARTICIPANTS
MSME´s
entrepeneurs
women
men
Our team
“The passion in our team’s DNA is to change lives. We are a group of people of different nationalities and disciplines who are committed to making a change by developing projects and solutions that promote and empower small businesses in the traditional economy.”
Elfid Torres
CEO
Consulting
Alejandra Roldán
Consultancy Leader
Cielo Velandia
Head of Consultancy Venezuela
Ernesto Madrid
Scouting & Contact Center
Fiorella Blanco
Consultancy Director
Leslie Claros
Head of Consultancy Bolivia
Mauricio Ramírez
Consultancy Manager
Michelle Mejía
Scouting & Contact Center
Rebecca Lewis
Consultancy Coordinator
Sury Chavarría
Data Analyst
Yadira Kawasaki
Consultancy Manager
Catalyst
Corentin Larue
Catalyst Director
Guillermo Castells
Head of Enko
Isabella Brandes
Fundraising Analyst
Jorge Martínez
Service Designer
Maxime Braun
Venture Building Manager
Ricardo Vaca
CEO of Merkomuna
Projects
Alejandro Viana
Project Analyst
Alexandra Castillo
Project Coordinator
Anwar Suaréz
Project Manager
Dulce Hernández
Project Coordinator
José Rafael Trejos
Project Coordinator
José Riley
Project Coordinator
Juan Pablo Rodríguez
Project Leader
Leonardo Suárez
Project Manager
Mara Chuco
Project Analyst
María Janeth Romero
Project Manager
Randolph Salazar
Project Manager
Talent Acquisition & Marketing
Andrea Jiménez
Talent Acquisition Analyst
Priscilla Jiménez
Talent Acquisition Director
Marketing
Alfredo Arias
Marketing Analyst
María Fernanda Goñi
Marketing Manager
IT
Adolfo Oconitrillo
Technical Support Analyst
Carlos Lezcano
Programmer Analyst
Emmanuel Saborío
IT Manager
Administration & Finances
Angie Bolaños
Accounting Leader
Catalina Pacheco
Administration & Finances Director
Cynthia Roldán
Treasury Analyst
Grettel Solís
Accounting Analyst
Javier Arias
Accounting Analyst
Kattia Vega
Treasury Manager
Luis Vega
Maintenance
Nayelli Hernández
Accounting Coordinator
Priscila Cabrera
Legal Analyst
Shakti Chacón
Administrative Accounting Assistant
Vanessa Rivera
Accounting Analyst
Wilson Cubillos
Administrative Analyst
Our board of directors
Richard Aitkenhead
Richard has a MPA from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. He served as Minister of Economy and Finance in Guatemala (actively involved in the country’s Peace Agreements), Director of INCAE Business School, and is currently President of IDC Group.
Ulrich Frei
Ulrich holds a Master's degree in Pharmacy from Ecole Suisse de Droguerie and an MBA from IMD in Lausanne, Switzerland. He has extensive management experience in various industries and has worked in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America. From 2008 to 2013, he was CEO of FUNDES, and is now a permanent member of the Board of Directors.
Andreas Eggenberg
Andreas has extensive experience in global organizations working for sustainable business. He is currently Chairman of Masisa and Ingenio Magdalena S.A.; and a member of the Board of Directors of Solarcentury, VIVA Trust, the Presidential Advisory Council of INCAE Business School, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and VIVA Idea and Fundación Avina.
Gabriela Víquez
Gabriela holds an MBA from the Universidad de Costa Rica, and is experienced in mergers and acquisitions and international corporate structuring. She was Commercial Manager of Banca Premier at Banco Nacional de Costa Rica and Sales Manager of the Equity Market and International Markets at Bolsa BN Valores. Currently she us Corporate Director of Business Development and Managing Director of Cuestamoras.
Jenny Everett
Jenny holds an MBA from the NYU Stern School of Business and a BA from Davidson College and has extensive experience in entrepreneurship, impact investing, non-profit management, and philanthropy. She was the Managing Director of the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE) for 12 years, where she led the international team. She is also on the Board of Villgro USA and is part of Social Venture Partners Austin and Impact Austin.