The Low Carbon Enterprise Fund was established to support small “low carbon” businesses in the developing world. The fund sits within the ERM Foundation - a not-for-profit charity – and provides finance in the form of loans and equity stakes to entrepreneurs in emerging markets.

With so much of the world’s future growth expected to occur in the developing world (in countries which often lack the necessary human and financial resources to address the negative environmental impacts of unfettered development) we believe the impact of supporting competitive, low carbon technological alternatives and forest-friendly livelihood ventures will be greatest in these regions. We have therefore chosen to dedicate the focus of our Fund upon them.

In parallel, we also provide pro-bono specialist advice on technical and business issues to support such ventures.

ERM, the global consultancy, has provided generous support for this program as part of its Low Carbon Initiative, and has financed all of the administrative, technical and pro-bono work that enables the Low Carbon Enterprise Fund to operate. The Fund itself has been supported by external donors who, in many cases, have provided their contribution as a sustainable alternative to off-setting.

The Fund has a full time Director and a Coordinator/Communications Manager. We also have a Board of experts in carbon-friendly investing, which reviews and decides on potential investments. The team is supported by ERM’s 3,500 global consultants, who provide technical expertise.

Since launching the Fund in 2008, we have worked with a range of low carbon entrepreneurs around the world, providing technical support and investment. See our newsletter archive for details.