Episode 3: Investing in Latin American Social Enterprises

Presented by UI Charitable - In this episode, Todd Manwaring sits down with Ted Levinson, founder of Beneficial Returns, and Maria Luisa Chavez, Managing Director for Latin America, to discuss how social entrepreneurs are solving some of the world’s most urgent challenges—particularly in Latin America. Beneficial Returns provides long-term, affordable loans to mission-driven businesses that reduce poverty and protect the environment.

Ted and Maria Luisa explain why their model prioritizes entrepreneurs, indigenous people, and why debt—rather than equity—can be the best tool to help these social businesses grow. They also share how philanthropic capital, especially from donor-advised funds and foundations, can be mobilized to support impact-first investing in ways that traditional finance can’t.

A special thanks to our production sponsor, UI Charitable.

Learn more about Beneficial Returns here: https://beneficialreturns.com/

Invest in Grupo Murlota: https://iig.uicharitable.org/impact-opportunities/post/debt-opportunity-groupo-murlota-Zin5ybkutI5L4zW

Link to the book Factfulness: https://www.amazon.com/Factfulness-Reasons-World-Things-Better/dp/1250107814

Find more high impact vetted organizations here: https://www.fiercephilanthropy.org/vetted-organizations/