Recent Projects

Argidius Foundation: SME Ecosystem Reports

On behalf of the Argidius Foundation, Enabling Outcomes developed SME ecosystem mapping reports for target geographies for the foundation. Argidius uses these reports as valuable tools in developing strategies for their engagements. The mappings give a contextual overview of the corresponding country and shed light on the challenges and opportunities for SME development and poverty alleviation. In addition, the reports inventory organizations that can help build local capacity and catalyze and accelerate SME development and growth.

These reports are public to promote and encourage cooperative and productive relationships among different organizations in this field.

To access the reports for Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Kenya, Nicaragua, Tanzania and Uganda, click here.

FSC Theory of Change for the Global Strategic Plan Update

This project used theory of change techniques and methodology to help inform the first draft of Forest Stewardship Council’s Global Strategic Plan. Work included designing and facilitating a 2-day workshop with the FSC Board as well as preparation calls and debriefs with Board committees.

Evaluation Coaching: Catalyst Fund

After three years working to accelerate 25 early-stage inclusive fintech startups in emerging markets, Caren coached the Catalyst Fund team to reflect on what they learned. Through a process of coaching they were able to identify successes and mistakes, and refined their approach to be the preferred accelerator partner to fintech companies. The report highlights the program’s successes and shortcomings, while providing actionable insights into what works and what doesn’t to spur fintech innovation that reaches underserved communities. Read the report here.

Investing in Women: Perspectives from the DGGF Portfolio

DGGF set out to identify where and how it is currently reaching female entrepreneurs, and to gain a better understanding of what capital providers can do to better serve female entrepreneurs’ financial needs. The research focused on what could be learned by concentrating on the SMEs financed by the funds in which DGGF has invested. Working with Enclude Solutions, Caren co-researched and co-authored this report. Insights are drawn from interviews with female entrepreneurs, fund managers and institutional investors. The report can be accessed here.

Irish Aid Private Sector Engagement for Development Consultancy

Enabling Outcomes, in collaboration with seasoned consultants Chintal Barot (CoSustain) and Siobhan Franklin (FrankIt), worked with Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and trade to analyze existing and emerging private sector engagement (PSE) for sustainable development by OECD and EU member states and provided recommendations for current and any future PSEs to be established by Ireland for its development programming. The work included a mapping exercise, a SWOT analysis, and recommendations for the role that PSE could play in achieving Ireland’s development goals.

Cambodian Sustainable Finance Initiative

Working under the leadership of Sustainable Finance Advisory, Caren supported this IFC-supported initiative driven by the Cambodia Bankers Association and the Cambodian banks to create a framework for mitigating environmental and social risk and identifying opportunities for the banking sector to support green and inclusive growth. This included facilitating the development of the principles and developing and executing training.

To learn more about the Cambodia Sustainable Finance Initiative, click here.

About Caren Holzman

Recent Projects

Argidius Foundation: SME Ecosystem Reports

FSC Theory of Change for the Global Strategic Plan Update

Evaluation Coaching: Catalyst Fund

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