Santa Isabel, Peru

Partner since 2025

Santa Isabel Savings and Credit Cooperative was founded in 2016 in Piura, Peru with the mission to transform lives, create opportunities for inclusion, and foster entrepreneurship. Envest’s partnership with Santa Isabel marks our entry into the northern region of Peru, a region that has historically faced higher levels of poverty than the national average. Santa Isabel has $28 million in assets, which makes it one of the largest institutions in Envest’s portfolio. While Envest typically partners with smaller MFIs that are often overlooked by international creditors, Santa Isabel faces similar challenges in accessing foreign loans despite its size because it operates as a cooperative. In Peru, cooperatives are only now gaining broader trust as stronger regulations are being implemented. Envest is just the third international creditor to support Santa Isabel, and it is clear that our role would be pivotal in helping expand its positive impact.

Santa Isabel stood out for its strong community impact. About 95% of its borrowers are women with an average loan size of only $230.  Santa Isabel is committed to empowering women, promoting healthcare, and offering workshops that help members build income-generating skills.

During our visit in June 2025, it became evident that the leadership encouraged its members and emphasized the importance of responsible lending. The general manager, Jorge Molina, shared “Our aim is not to top-off credit amounts but rather attract new customers because giving more money to people without the capacity to repay only leads to over indebtedness.” This philosophy reinforces their genuine commitment to member well-being that goes beyond credit.

Read article “Santa Isabel: A Microfinance Partner That Goes Beyond Finance“ by Elizabeth Rodriguez, Director of Lending.