ESMS development for Lendahand

We developed an environmental and social management system (ESMS) for Lendahand

Lendahand is a Dutch impact-focused crowdfunding platform specialised in providing financing to small and medium-sized enterprises in developing countries. Through its platform, Lendahand enables individuals to co-invest in social and environmental projects around the world, providing local companies with reliable and affordable financing to grow their business and make social impact. As Lendahand continues to grow its portfolio and attracts more funding, it commissioned Steward Redqueen to develop and implement an environmental and social management system (‘ESMS’), to manage and assess the environmental and social risk of their investments.

We executed research on the unique characteristics of an impact-focused crowdfunding platform and the environmental and social risks that are applicable to Lendahand’s investment portfolio. Based on these insights and our expertise in risk management, we developed a tailored ESMS. Next to that, we provided training to staff on how to use the ESMS throughout the investment cycle.

The implemented ESMS provides Lendahand with a structural approach to manage and assess the environmental and social risk of their investments. In this way, Lendahand ensures that investments done via the platform meet high international sustainability standards, adding to their goal of improving the socio-economic status of people around the world.