In late November, more than 50 Peruvian enterprises took a decisive step toward sustainable growth through the Programa de Alistamiento para Inversiones de Impacto, or the Impact Investment Readiness Program, an initiative designed to bridge the gap between purpose-driven entrepreneurship and access to responsible financing.

Led by the Ministry of Environment (MINAM) in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), PROMPERÚ (Peruvian Commission for the Promotion of Export and Tourism), and PROFONANPE (Fund for the Promotion of Protected Natural Areas of Peru), the programme reflects Peru’s growing ambition to position itself as a hub for regenerative, high-impact investment.

“Impact investing is no longer a niche, it’s becoming a necessity,” says Luis Rios, Palladium Director in Latin America. “Our goal was to equip bio-businesses with the tools to speak the language of investors without losing sight of their mission.”

Why It Matters: Peru’s Impact Investment Landscape

Peru’s economy has shown resilience in recent years, but small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly those in bio and eco-business sectors, often struggle to attract capital. According to the Global Impact Investing Network, Latin America accounts for roughly 8% of global impact investment allocations, with Peru emerging as a promising market thanks to its biodiversity and growing green economy. Yet, challenges persist: limited investor readiness, fragmented market ecosystems, and a lack of measurable impact reporting.

The programme tackled these barriers head-on, offering a multi-stage capacity-building process facilitated by Palladium and Bamboo Capital Partners.

Inside the Training: From Theory to Practice

Over five months, participants engaged in 13 virtual sessions covering everything from financial modeling to storytelling. Modules included:
• Impact Financing Fundamentals: Understanding investor expectations and funding sources.
• Investment & Impact Decks: Crafting compelling narratives backed by solid financials.
• Pitch Perfection: Building coherent, evidence-based presentations.
• Negotiation Skills: Navigating term sheets and refining proposals.

The journey culminated in an intensive in-person Bootcamp in Lima, where entrepreneurs tested their skills through role-plays, timed pitches, and peer feedback. The highlight was a live pitch session before investors and representatives from MINAM, PROMPERÚ, and PROFONANPE.

“The Bootcamp was transformative,” Laura Ariza, a member of the Bamboo Capital Partners team working on the programme. “Entrepreneurs left not just with better decks, but with confidence, and that’s what investors notice.”

Matchmaking for Real Impact

The culmination of the programme was the Matchmaking Session, giving participants a rare opportunity to present their proposals directly to impact investors. This wasn’t just a simulation; it was a real-world engagement designed to convert preparation into partnerships.

“Connecting purpose with capital is the ultimate goal,” Ariza adds. “These sessions prove that with the right support, local enterprises can compete on a global stage.”

The Ripple Effect

The outcomes speak volumes: stronger pitch decks, clearer financial narratives, and measurable impact indicators. Beyond technical skills, the programme fostered a mindset shift—helping entrepreneurs see investment not as a distant aspiration but as an attainable next step.

As Peru continues to champion sustainability, initiatives like this underscore a broader trend: impact investing is gaining traction, and local businesses are ready to lead. With biodiversity as a strategic asset and a growing network of investors seeking purpose-driven opportunities, the country is well-positioned to become a regional leader in regenerative finance.