Federal Independent Agencies
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from federal independent agencies.
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USAID: Administrator Samantha Power Meets With Armenian Diaspora
WASHINGTON, April 19 -- The U.S. Agency for International Development issued the following readout on April 18, 2024:
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The below is attributable to Spokesperson Jessica Jennings:
Today, Administrator Samantha Power met with representatives of the Armenian Assembly of America (AAA) at their annual advocacy summit.
The Administrator reinforced USAID's unwavering commitment to Armenia's democratic development, trade and transit diversification, territorial integrity, and sovereignty.
Administrator Power also communicated USAID's willingness to find new ways to partner with the Armenian
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WASHINGTON, April 19 -- The U.S. Agency for International Development issued the following readout on April 18, 2024:
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The below is attributable to Spokesperson Jessica Jennings:
Today, Administrator Samantha Power met with representatives of the Armenian Assembly of America (AAA) at their annual advocacy summit.
The Administrator reinforced USAID's unwavering commitment to Armenia's democratic development, trade and transit diversification, territorial integrity, and sovereignty.
Administrator Power also communicated USAID's willingness to find new ways to partner with the ArmenianAmerican diaspora community for the betterment of the people of Armenia. This included continued efforts to support displaced persons and refugees, enhance Armenia's economic resilience, and strengthen its democratic institutions.
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Original text here: https://www.usaid.gov/news-information/press-releases/apr-18-2024-administrator-samantha-power-meets-armenian-diaspora
USAID Administrator Power Issues Remarks at Ukraine House
WASHINGTON, April 19 -- The U.S. Agency for International Development issued the following remarks on April 18, 2024, by Administrator Samantha at Ukraine House:
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ADMINISTRATOR SAMANTHA POWER: Couldn't agree more with the Prime Minister [Denys Shmyhal] and his words about you. Great person, great place. We hope this week, especially, if this national security supplemental goes through [inaudible]. And I want to join you in thanking the members of the U.S. government team. You mentioned Ambassador - Assistant Administrator [Erin] McKee, Mark Simakovsky, I also see Maria Longi here.
We have
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WASHINGTON, April 19 -- The U.S. Agency for International Development issued the following remarks on April 18, 2024, by Administrator Samantha at Ukraine House:
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ADMINISTRATOR SAMANTHA POWER: Couldn't agree more with the Prime Minister [Denys Shmyhal] and his words about you. Great person, great place. We hope this week, especially, if this national security supplemental goes through [inaudible]. And I want to join you in thanking the members of the U.S. government team. You mentioned Ambassador - Assistant Administrator [Erin] McKee, Mark Simakovsky, I also see Maria Longi here.
We havean incredible team between State and USAID that really became only more incredible when Penny Pritzker came back into government service and to answer the call. We were so lucky, Penny, to have you on the team, not least because it keeps us focused on the future, and not just the hellish presence that Putin is subjecting Ukrainian people to, but really looking ahead as to the tragic trajectory of this country, whose people have proven their capabilities again and again.
Of course, Ambassador Makarova, former finance minister, Mr. Prime Minister, you understand that it is largely due to your government's efforts that we are in a position today to make a number of new announcements. What we're going to announce today wouldn't be possible but for you all continuing reform effort despite the brutality of the attacks that had intended, of course, to terminate the cause of democratic reform and economic integration. Instead, it has accelerated that effort, which is some irony, but really a tribute to all of you. And, Mr. Prime Minister, since you oversee, again, all of the ministries involved in creating the conditions and make initiatives like the ones we're here to announce possible, it's really a tribute to you and your team. And so please extend our thanks to them.
So, as we all know, Putin is not just attacking Ukraine's armies, not just attacking Ukraine's civilians, its children, but he's also very, very intentionally from day one in trying to destroy Ukraine's economy. He has attempted to sabotage Ukrainian industry, as we know, by attacking the electric grid, bombing key production facilities, trying to destroy the agricultural sector - one of Ukraine's largest export sectors, of course. Blowing up grain silos, putting landmines in fields to prevent the farming of Ukraine's rich and arable land. And, of course, for so long bombarding Ukraine's ports to try to prevent Ukrainian farmers from doing what they had always done, which is exporting their goods to the world and helping feed the world. But the fact is, in the fight to destroy Ukraine's economy, a major goal for President Putin, Putin is losing ground. It's just - he is really losing ground.
Ukrainian companies have shifted their operations, transformed their supply chains, and changed their locations, of course. Industries, like IT, have not only survived but thrived. For example, even during the war, Ukraine has expanded its leadership in cutting edge industries like artificial intelligence, fintech, and blockchain. Is that something that Putin would have expected? In the two years before the war, the sector contributed $11.8 billion to Ukraine's economy. In the two years since Putin's full-scale invasion, that sector contributed $14 billion to Ukraine's economy.
Companies like Bayer, Louis Dreyfus Company, and Corteva are making investments now, not only because they are committed to Ukraine's recovery, but because they see real business opportunities in Ukraine. The economy grew last year and is projected to grow again, even as the Kremlin's attacks not only continue but really intensify.
Given the relentlessness of Putin's missile and drone assaults, this is a staggering achievement. And I will say I had a conversation not long ago with Kristalina Georgieva of the IMF, and she was literally, almost breathless in describing the economic miracle that the Ukrainian people and leadership have helped bring about. I mean, just to have this level of economic growth with these kinds of conditions inflicted upon the people of Ukraine, it's really something that will be studied for a long time to come.
But all that said, a major barrier is still standing in the way of progress for many Ukrainian companies, and that is access to capital. One of Ukraine's largest investors, Igor Lipski, has invested in a wide range of sectors in the Ukrainian economy. Right now, he's trying to build a windowpane factory to replace the shattered windows across the country. But while he is ready to invest a third of what is needed, just one example, he's having trouble raising capital for the remainder. He says, "the biggest problem is not people, technology or equity, the biggest problem is to raise project finance." Imagine if one ultimately stands in the way of Ukraine's economic progress is not attacks from a vicious invader but a lack of investment from its friends. We are here today to make sure that does not happen, and I'm glad to share two initiatives with Nasdaq and the Bank of America to help Ukrainian businesses not only withstand the war, but again, to grow and to thrive.
The first, which will be elaborated upon, is an exciting partnership with Nasdaq. You'll hear more about from Vice Chairman Edward Knight, to help Ukrainian businesses get access to the capital they need. Currently, Ukrainian stock exchanges are not developed enough to provide liquidity for Ukrainian companies during the war. So, the next viable way for these companies to access capital is to list on the international markets, but there's a cost to listing on the international capital markets, including initial listing fees and annual fees, costs that can be prohibitive for companies that are already having to grapple with air raids, power outages and supply chain issues as they grow.
That is why Nasdaq is making this crucial commitment to waive fees for Ukrainian companies to list on the Nasdaq stock exchanges globally. As Vice Chairman Knight will detail, they are also providing technical assistance to help Ukrainian businesses navigate the requirements of listing on the exchanges, as well as offering Ukrainian entrepreneurs workshops, training, and advice on regulation and governance practices of public companies - this is a major initiative.
Secondly, you will hear from Bernie Mensah from Bank of America about an exciting partnership between the Government of Ukraine and Bank of America to provide senior investment bankers expertise to the Ukrainian Ministry of the economy through a process known as secondments - a familiar bureaucratic term - to assist in developing, planning and executing projects. These so-called secondees from the Bank of America, who work with the Ministry of Economy, are going to identify, and with their Ukrainian colleagues, and build out bankable projects in Ukraine and then help pitch them to the appropriate investors. It will send a strong signal that Bank of America, one of the largest banks in the world, knows there is real opportunity to invest in Ukraine now and is eager to help financial institutions to take advantage of those opportunities.
We encourage other companies here tonight to also think creatively. These are two very different initiatives where each entity, institution thinks through what are our comparative advantages to contribute here? Each company can think creatively about how they can support Ukraine's economy at this critical juncture, and how we and the U.S. government can help facilitate those efforts.
In an era where democracy is under attack, investing in Ukraine's economy and in its stability is one of the most impactful ways the private sector can join the fight. I want to thank Nasdaq, I want to thank the Bank of America for these vital efforts. We are honored to stand with them as we stand with Ukraine.
Thank you so much.
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Original text here: https://www.usaid.gov/news-information/speeches/apr-18-2024-administrator-samantha-ukraine-house
USAID Administrator Power Issues Remarks at Arab American Heritage Month Event
WASHINGTON, April 19 -- The U.S. Agency for International Development issued the following remarks on April 17, 2024, by Administrator Samantha Power at an Arab American Heritage Month Event:
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ADMINISTRATOR SAMANTHA POWER: I've benefited a lot from our engagements and just grateful for the candor and the wisdom that you've offered me personally.
Thank you to Matthew [Jaber Stiffler] and the Arab American National Museum for everything you do to shine a light on Arab American activists who have helped write the American story. So many Arab Americans, including many here with us today, have
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WASHINGTON, April 19 -- The U.S. Agency for International Development issued the following remarks on April 17, 2024, by Administrator Samantha Power at an Arab American Heritage Month Event:
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ADMINISTRATOR SAMANTHA POWER: I've benefited a lot from our engagements and just grateful for the candor and the wisdom that you've offered me personally.
Thank you to Matthew [Jaber Stiffler] and the Arab American National Museum for everything you do to shine a light on Arab American activists who have helped write the American story. So many Arab Americans, including many here with us today, havededicated their lives and careers to fighting for dignity and opportunity for every human being. And it goes without saying, I suspect to this group, but your contributions are as varied as they are numerous.
You are helping partner governments in Southeast Asia, for example, shore up their data and surveillance systems to track the outbreaks of tuberculosis fighting for a world where no individual needs to die from a disease that is both treatable and preventable. And fighting for a world where living healthy lives is not a privilege but a right. You are leading our inclusive development work, creating new ways for this agency to partner with smaller local organizations, particularly those serving historically marginalized communities so that communities have the resources they need to fully implement their own solutions to the challenges they face. You are leading efforts to expand the coalition's of those investing in human dignity, spearheading partnerships with private sector companies that can help our own impact exceed what our USAID resources alone can achieve. You're pioneers in the progress beyond program efforts and with the hustle mindset that we all need, given resource constraints and growing challenges. And of course, you have moved the needle as well in important ways for our Americans.
It was after all, Arab Americans across USAID, the State Department and the broader interagency including our own former colleague, Rita Stephan, who joined civic actors nationwide, encouraging the Office of Management and Budget to add the first ever Middle Eastern or North African category to federal data collection efforts. This category is now scheduled to go into effect for upcoming 2030 federal census efforts - and that's for federal workers - and this is the first revision to the process since 1997. It's a critical step to be able to better understand and meet the needs of Arab American public servants.
Many of your deep ties to the Arab world have also helped us better serve communities in crisis overseas, helping USAID engage the diaspora communities to address urgent priorities in Iraq, Yemen, and Lebanon, and playing a crucial role coordinating with our donor partners to respond to the devastation in Gaza. I know that this work, which is already challenging in its own right, and is already demanding so much of your time and energy, is not easy. And I would say it's especially difficult today.
It is not easy to feel motivated when you are overlooked or undermined because of your heritage or your religion or the color of your skin. It's not easy to show up to work every day when rising levels of harassment, threats, and violence against Arab American communities threaten the safety of you and your loved ones. It is not easy to feel like you matter when leaders are spewing inflammatory rhetoric that can dehumanize, devalue, or simply ignore people who share your identity. And Charles alluded to this, above all, it is not easy to feel like you are making a difference in the world when more than 30,000 Palestinians and more than 200 international and Palestinian aid workers have been killed in Gaza.
I realize that as long as violence in Gaza continues, those of you with family and friends there or connected to those who are there are going to live in perpetual fear for vulnerable people in harm's way. And I recognize how many of you are mourning, already, lives that have been taken. But I want you to know that we will continue to call on Israel to do much, much more to protect civilians. IDF military operations have killed far too many civilians. I and other senior leaders throughout the government will continue to advocate for a lasting ceasefire and a sustainable and equitable peace. And all of us, at USAID, are going to use every tool we have - public and private - to use diplomacy to press to see more border crossings open, to have them open longer, to allow hundreds more trucks a day into Gaza. And really make sure that the Israeli government is making more commitments and following through on the commitments made to President Biden in recent weeks to make major transformative improvements to humanitarian access.
Last week, I had the chance to testify to the Congress about the severity of the catastrophe unfolding in Gaza and had a chance to appeal for more than a billion dollars in new aid to address the desperate humanitarian needs. Right now, access and protection of civilians and aid workers are the gating issues - they are the limiting factors. But we need those resources as well. Because if we secure the kinds of changes that are needed, at some point, we are going to run out of money. And so just I know all of you are watching as we are pressing to see the national security supplemental go through on the hill. I just want you to know that no matter your role within the agency and no matter how it feels right now you are making a difference. You've made a difference in shaping my thinking and my advocacy within this administration. That in turn has made a difference with President Biden, and I know for many of you not a difference enough but nonetheless, you're all still at this. And you're making a difference for countless people in communities around the world. The agency needs you - needs your talent, your expertise, your dedication, as the challenges that we are facing continue to grow.
I am fiercely committed as Administrator to helping you do the critical work that you came here to do. And in that spirit, my entire leadership team and I will continue to emphasize that rhetoric that targets and dehumanizes Palestinian and Arab communities at home and abroad is unacceptable. As I've said, I deeply appreciate the candid lines of communication. We have been able to build with AAIFAA [Arab Americans in Foreign Affairs Agencies Employee Resource Group], and I welcome any feedback however critical I may have on what we are saying, what we're doing, and, and any of the efforts that we are making.
I want to thank you for continuing to show up every day, despite all of what I've been describing, and much more that you're going through instead of disengaging from what I can tell, you're leaning in, you're speaking out, you are demanding that we do better. And in doing so, again, you are in fact making a difference. So as we commemorate the Arab American activists that have helped make this country more just, more equal, and kinder, I want to recognize all of you as well. And I hope you will continue to dedicate your considerable talent and expertise to USAID's work - we are so much stronger with you on our team.
Thank you so much, and I'm gonna stay for as long as I can, I'm very interested in hearing the next discussion. But I definitely wanted to thank you all for everything you do.
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Original text here: https://www.usaid.gov/news-information/speeches/apr-17-2024-administrator-samantha-power-usaid-arab-american-heritage-month-event
SBA Deadline is Near for Working Capital Loans in Mississippi
ATLANTA, Georgia, April 19 -- The Small Business Administration issued the following news release on April 18, 2024:
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private nonprofit organizations that May 20 is the filing deadline for federal working capital loans in Mississippi due to drought that began on Sept. 12, 2023.
Low-interest disaster loans are available in the counties of Attala, Covington, Forrest, George, Greene, Hinds, Holmes, Humphreys, Issaquena, Jasper, Jefferson Davis,
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ATLANTA, Georgia, April 19 -- The Small Business Administration issued the following news release on April 18, 2024:
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private nonprofit organizations that May 20 is the filing deadline for federal working capital loans in Mississippi due to drought that began on Sept. 12, 2023.
Low-interest disaster loans are available in the counties of Attala, Covington, Forrest, George, Greene, Hinds, Holmes, Humphreys, Issaquena, Jasper, Jefferson Davis,Jones, Lamar, Leake, Madison, Neshoba, Newton, Perry, Rankin, Scott, Sharkey, Simpson, Smith, Stone, Warren, Wayne, Winston and Yazoo in Mississippi, and Mobile and Washington in Alabama.
Under this declaration, the SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible farm-related and nonfarm-related entities that suffered financial losses as a direct result of this disaster. Apart from aquaculture enterprises, SBA cannot provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, and ranchers. Nurseries are eligible to apply for economic injury disaster loans for losses caused by drought conditions.
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates of 4% for small businesses and 2.375% for private nonprofit organizations, with terms up to 30 years. The SBA determines eligibility based on the size of the applicant, type of activity and its financial resources. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant's financial condition. These working capital loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, account payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. The loans are not intended to replace lost sales or profits.
Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA's Customer Service Center at (800) 6592955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Submit completed loan applications to SBA no later than May 20, 2024.
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Original text here: https://www.sba.gov/article/2024/04/18/sba-deadline-near-working-capital-loans-mississippi
GSA: Updated Rule Modernizes Federal Advisory Committee Management Processes
WASHINGTON, April 19 -- The General Services Administration issued the following news release on April 18, 2024:
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced a final rule amending the Federal Management Regulation for Federal Advisory Committee Management to help modernize its process and procedures. The regulation, last updated in 2001, will help enhance the performance of about 1,000 federal advisory committees in the executive branch by:
* Helping ensure that regulations concerning Federal Advisory Committee Management are user-friendly.
* Clarifying and updating the responsibilities
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WASHINGTON, April 19 -- The General Services Administration issued the following news release on April 18, 2024:
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced a final rule amending the Federal Management Regulation for Federal Advisory Committee Management to help modernize its process and procedures. The regulation, last updated in 2001, will help enhance the performance of about 1,000 federal advisory committees in the executive branch by:
* Helping ensure that regulations concerning Federal Advisory Committee Management are user-friendly.
* Clarifying and updating the responsibilitiesfor key management and operational roles to help oversee the program and to help agencies implement the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA).
* Increasing transparency, equity, access, and inclusion across advisory committee processes and procedures.
* Implementing process improvements with respect to advisory committee charters and agency administrative guidelines.
"We are continuing this Administration's focus on transparency by updating and modernizing this rule to make the creation and operation of federal advisory committees more inclusive and accessible to the public," said GSA Administrator Robin Carnahan. "This is another way we can expand the expertise available to federal agencies - especially from individuals with relevant professional or lived experiences and those from affected communities - so we can leverage new insights to enhance federal policies and management decisions."
For more than 50 years, federal advisory committees have served as a useful tool for furnishing expert advice, ideas, and diverse opinions to the federal government. As part of a widely inclusive process, the amendments reflect many suggestions for improvements from other federal agencies, stakeholders, and the public.
"By getting inputs from other federal agencies and the public, this update shows how government can be more inclusive both in how we revise and implement policy, and in how we move forward in delivering good, participatory government for the people we serve," said GSA Office of Government-wide Policy Associate Administrator Krystal Brumfield. "We recognize that advancing equitable approaches to public participation and community engagement leads to better outcomes for everyone and we will continue to uncover new opportunities to improve."
The Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, 5 U.S.C. chapter 10, (codified at 5 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.), governs the establishment, operation, and termination of federal advisory committees. FACA defines what constitutes a federal advisory committee and provides general procedures for the executive branch to operate these committees. Importantly, FACA helps to ensure that Congress and the public are kept informed regarding the number, purpose, membership, activities, and cost of advisory committees. FACA is a formalized process for establishing, operating, overseeing, and terminating these advisory bodies, and it also created the Committee Management Secretariat, a GSA office that provides oversight of the FACA program, works with executive branch agencies and departments regarding compliance with the Act, reports on executive branch activities under the Act, and updates the FACA regulation.
For more information on the FACA program, visit GSA's FACA website (https://www.gsa.gov/node/81127).
About GSA: GSA provides centralized procurement and shared services for the federal government, managing a nationwide real estate portfolio of nearly 370 million rentable square feet, overseeing approximately $100 billion in products and services via federal contracts, and delivering technology services that serve millions of people across dozens of federal agencies. GSA's mission is to deliver the best customer experience and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to the government and the American people.
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Original text here: https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/newsroom/news-releases/updated-rule-modernizes-federal-advisory-committee-04182024
Export-Import Bank of the United States Board of Directors Approves Third Deal Under Make More in America Initiative
WASHINGTON, April 19 -- The Export-Import Bank of the U.S. issued the following news release on April 18, 2024:
The Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) today approved a $51 million direct loan to small business Packwell, Inc. to support the construction of a packaging and warehousing facility in Houston, Texas. This is the third transaction approved under the Make More in America initiative. The transaction is estimated to support approximately 320 jobs in Houston, Texas.
"We are thrilled to approve EXIM's third Make More in America loan to Houston small business
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WASHINGTON, April 19 -- The Export-Import Bank of the U.S. issued the following news release on April 18, 2024:
The Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) today approved a $51 million direct loan to small business Packwell, Inc. to support the construction of a packaging and warehousing facility in Houston, Texas. This is the third transaction approved under the Make More in America initiative. The transaction is estimated to support approximately 320 jobs in Houston, Texas.
"We are thrilled to approve EXIM's third Make More in America loan to Houston small businessPackwell, Inc," said EXIM President and Chair Reta Jo Lewis. "Our financing will play a key role in allowing this small business to grow and expand through exporting, supporting good paying jobs in the process. We are proud of the work we have accomplished so far under the Make More in America initiative and remain committed to supporting U.S. manufacturers and bolstering our supply chains."
EXIM's Make More in America initiative is a tool designed to unlock financing for American manufacturing, strengthen America's global competitiveness, close critical supply chain gaps, and support American jobs. The initiative makes EXIM's existing medium- and long-term loans and loan guarantees available for export-oriented domestic manufacturing projects as part of the Biden-Harris Administration's whole-of-government efforts to strengthen the resiliency and security of America's supply chains, following the enactment of Executive Order 14017.
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ABOUT EXIM:
The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) is the nation's official export credit agency with the mission of supporting American jobs by facilitating U.S. exports. To advance American competitiveness and assist U.S. businesses as they compete for global sales, EXIM offers financing including export credit insurance, working capital guarantees, loan guarantees, and direct loans. As an independent federal agency, EXIM contributes to U.S. economic growth by supporting tens of thousands of jobs in exporting businesses and their supply chains across the United States.
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Original text here: https://www.exim.gov/news/export-import-bank-united-states-board-directors-approves-third-deal-under-make-more-america
DFC Boosts Mexico's Ecosystem Regeneration With $4M Investment
WASHINGTON, April 19 -- The U.S. International Development Finance Corp. issued the following news release on April 18, 2024:
The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has approved an up to $4 million investment in Regenera Ventures I, a pioneering impact investment fund aimed at bolstering the regeneration of Mexico's ecosystems that was created with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Mexico.
Regenera Ventures I, a women-founded and -led fund, directs its investments toward companies embracing regenerative practices that enhance
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WASHINGTON, April 19 -- The U.S. International Development Finance Corp. issued the following news release on April 18, 2024:
The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has approved an up to $4 million investment in Regenera Ventures I, a pioneering impact investment fund aimed at bolstering the regeneration of Mexico's ecosystems that was created with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Mexico.
Regenera Ventures I, a women-founded and -led fund, directs its investments toward companies embracing regenerative practices that enhancebiodiversity and contribute to the restoration of Mexican terrestrial, marine, and coastal ecosystems. DFC's endorsement represents a significant milestone, helping the fund reach its targeted capital size of up to $30 million.
"DFC is proud to support Regenera Ventures I in catalyzing investments in rural Mexico to support regenerative agricultural practices. This partnership will help unlock crucial financing that will bolster sustainable agriculture and local communities in rural areas across the country," said Mateo Goldman, DFC's Acting Vice President of Investment Funds.
"USAID is dedicated to cultivating lasting relationships across the landscape, fostering mutual understanding among investors, buyers, and sustainable producers. Regenera Ventures I is a pioneer in an innovative investment strategy rooted in regenerative practices by enhancing natural capital. This approach not only promotes mutual trust and shared benefits, but also enables a comprehensive reassessment of risks from all angles," shared Jene Thomas, USAID Mexico Mission Director.
"Regenera Ventures bridges a crucial financing gap for regenerative enterprises in Mexico. DFC's strategic investment acts as a catalyst, sparking investor interest in nature-based climate solutions. This backing not only validates our mission but also amplifies our capacity to make a tangible impact in Mexico," explains Stevie Smyth, General Partner of SVX Mexico.
Regenera Ventures I targets investments in 12 to 15 companies across various sectors, including agribusiness, forestry, nature tourism, regenerative cattle ranging, aquaculture, and enterprises facilitating the transition to regenerative agriculture. The fund prioritizes companies advancing ecosocial health by enhancing soil quality, fostering community livelihoods, conserving biodiversity, sequestering carbon, and curbing greenhouse gas emissions. Through local leadership and a gender lens, the fund aims to demonstrate that nature-based investments can deliver both substantial impact and stable financial returns.
Regenera Ventures I was developed through Sustainable Landscapes Ventures, a USAID-funded project implemented by Conservation International and a consortium of partners. The project develops sustainable and inclusive value chains at scale that are market-driven and investor-ready in the Mexican states of Chiapas, Oaxaca, and the Yucatan Peninsula. Much of Regenera Ventures I's pipeline, initial thesis, and development of impact metrics and safeguards are supported by the project.
"The availability of new funds is a very important step to ensure the sustainable growth of companies that are committed to caring for nature. It is also contributing to climate change mitigation by offering an alternative that changes the way investors and companies manage the landscape and its natural resources," said Leticia Gutierrez Lorandi, Vice President of Conservation International-Mexico.
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About DFC
The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is the U.S. Government's development finance institution. DFC partners with the private sector to finance solutions to the most critical challenges facing the developing world today. DFC invests across sectors including energy, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and small business and financial services. DFC investments adhere to high standards and respect the environment, human rights, and worker rights.
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About Regenera Ventures I
Regenera Ventures I is a private fund dedicated to supporting companies transitioning to or scaling regenerative production practices, fostering biodiversity improvements, and contributing to the restoration of Mexican ecosystems. The fund's mission is to partner with businesses facilitating the shift of local producers toward resilient and diversified production methods, in harmony with ecological and social well-being. The fund's investment approach offers a structured exit strategy, flexible returns, and alignment with its impact-driven mission.
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Original text here: https://www.dfc.gov/media/press-releases/dfc-boosts-mexicos-ecosystem-regeneration-4m-investment
