Oikocredit extends USD 1 million loans to Ailos partners Acredicoop and Evolua to boost Brazil’s SMEs

08 August 2024, Amersfoort, the Netherlands –Social impact investor Oikocredit has teamed up with the Ailos System, a network of credit cooperatives established in 2002, comprising over 1.6 million members and operating across Southern Brazil. The funds were disbursedin May.   

Thenew partnership was introduced by Water.org, with a conservative initial amount to establish a working relationship and gain experience. It involves an initial loan agreement with Acredicoop and Evolua, each receiving USD 1 million to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in their portfolios. Ailos provides direct financing, channels funds from the Brazilian National Development Bank (BNDES), and extends technological and operational support, nurturing solid growth for both cooperatives. 

Acredicoop and Evolua follow Ailos’ environmental and social policies, incorporating them into their strategic planning and using key performance indicators such as Body, Soul, and Mind to meet multi-stakeholder objectives. This collaboration not only strengthens the financial inclusion of urban SMEs but also aligns with Oikocredit’s mission to promote sustainable development. The conservative initial amount allows both Oikocredit and Ailos to build a robust working relationship and gather valuable experience for future ventures. 

Nicolas Viedma, Investment Manager for Oikocredit, said, “We’re partnering with Ailos and its member cooperatives to enhance financial inclusion within urban centres. The alliance will help Ailos’ members to strengthen their SME portfolios and improve economic outcomes in their regions where they operate. With its commitment to cooperative principles and its robust network of credit cooperatives, Ailos is an ideal partner for Oikocredit as we look support sustainable development and prosperity.” 

Zenilde Osório, Operations Director of Acredicoop, said, “Collaboration is the foundation of the cooperative system. The partnership with the global cooperative Oikocredit, through the Ailos System, opens many opportunities for Acredicoop, such as diversifying funding sources and accessing international investors, thus fostering local growth and business expansion.” 

Kelvi Krauspenhar, Executive Director of Evolua, stated: “We have inaugurated a great inter-cooperation partnership with Oikocredit, providing more resources for our members and the development of our community. Evolua is proud to be part of this moment for the Ailos system." 

André Luiz Greboge, Ailos Capture and Interfinancial Transfers team leader, said, "By joining Oikocredit, the next step involves raising funds from other institutions for the interested cooperatives. This includes seeking diversified funding sources, access to international investors, and alternatives to enhance the reference equity.” 

About Acredicoop 

Acredicoop is dedicated to the continuous development of the regions in which they operate and the well-being of their members. Each individual plays a vital role in promoting robust management founded on the principles of cooperativism, leading to an enhanced quality of life for all. Founded in 1999, the cooperative serves approximately 91,600 members, manages BRL 937 million in assets, and operates 21 service branches. 

About Evolua 

Evolua Credit Cooperative is guided by the mission to transform and contribute to the development of their region. Since 2008, they have operated under democratic and transparent management, enabling their members to benefit from low-cost financial services. Every initiative is strategically designed to foster solid and sustainable growth for the entire community. The cooperative serves over 71,500 members, manages BRL 1.1 billion in assets, and operates 17 service branches. 

About Ailos 

Established in 2002, the Ailos System comprises more than 1.6 million members, 13 individual credit cooperatives, a central body, and an insurance brokerage. With over 300 service points and more than BRL 21 billion in assets, it operates physically in the three southern states of the country, contributing to and promoting the sustainable growth and social development of the communities it serves through its affiliates: Acentra, Acredicoop, Civia, Credcrea, Credelesc, Credicomin, Credifoz, Crevisc, Evolua, Transpocred, Únilos, Viacredi, and Viacredi Alto Vale. More information at www.ailos.coop.br.  

About Oikocredit 

Social impact investor and worldwide cooperative Oikocredit has nearly five decades of experience funding organisations active in financial inclusion, agriculture and renewable energy.  

Oikocredit’s loans, equity investments and capacity building aim to enable people on low incomes in Africa, Asia and Latin America to improve their living standards sustainably.  

Oikocredit finances more than 520 partners, with total outstanding capital of EUR1,136.1 million (atMarch 2024). For more information, visit www.oikocredit.coop. 

-Ends- 

Note for editors 

 For more information or to request an interview, please contact: Viviana Cordero, Communications Business Partner, Oikocredit International, telephone: +31 33 422 4040, email: vcordero@oikocredit.org.