I am pleased to inform members of Green Travel that I have accepted a new position with Verde Ventures at Conservation International.
Verde Ventures is an innovative “green” fund investing in small businesses that contribute to conservation and communities in Conservation International's global priority areas and which support CI'smission to conserve the Earth’s living natural heritage—our global biodiversity—and to demonstrate that human societies are able to live harmoniously with nature Verde Ventures recognizes that: - Conservation-based employment is essential to provide economic incentives for conservation - The small business sector is a key partner in the intersection between human welfare and conservation - Lack of available, affordable capital is a hurdle to ensure the sustainability of the sector In order to address these challenges, Verde Ventures provides: - Loans: US$30,000 to $500,000 (average: $125,000) - Use of Loan funds: Infrastructure, working capital, trade finance - Typical Deal Structure: Senior or subordinated secured debt for 3-5 years. - Strategic grants for technical assistance and environmental and socio-economic monitoring You can review a presentation on the fund online here http://www.scribd.com/doc/16220135/Verde-Ventures-Overview And at http://web.conservation.org/xp/verdeventures/ If you would like more information on the fund, please do not hesitate to contact me! Neel -- Neel Inamdar Fax: (703) 831-8788 Tel: (703) 398-1091 http://www.neelinamdar.com
