4 de Octubre is a female-led savings and loans cooperative, founded in 1998 in Ecuador. With over 7,000 borrowers, the cooperative contributes to the economic development of local communities by providing microloans.
It is located in the Chimborazo province, and its goal is to fight poverty in the region and create more opportunities for local communities. Today, they operate six branches within the province and six beyond, employing 62 people at the microfinance institution.
Their focus is on providing financial support and guidance to entrepreneurs, farmers, and families. Additionally, they invest in community projects and infrastructure, always prioritizing inclusivity and local safety. Through their efforts, 4 de Octubre aims to offer immediate support while building a secure financial future for their members and their families.
General information
| Borrower | Cooperativa de Ahorro y Credito 4 de Octubre |
| Country | Ecuador |
| Head office | Riobamba |
| Website | https://www.4deoctubre.net/ |
| Founded | 26 January 1996 |
| Active on Lendahand since | 16 October 2024 |
| Credit Score | A |
Financial information per 2024-06-30
| Portfolio Overview | €60,424,146.76 |
| Leverage ratio | 84.00% |
| Write-off ratio last 12 months | 6.91% |
| % investment amount in arrears (>90 days) | 2.90% |
About Ecuador
Ecuador is a country in northwestern South America, bordered by Colombia on the north, Peru on the east and south, and the Pacific Ocean on the west. Ecuador also includes the Galápagos Islands in the Pacific, about 1,000 kilometers (621 mi) west of the mainland. The population of the country is 18 million and the GDP per capita is USD 5,590. The country's capital and biggest city is Quito. Entrepreneurs in Ecuador face a lack of capital and limited access to financing, which hinders their growth. Additionally, economic instability and rising insecurity create further challenges. For households, the main issues are unstable working conditions due to temporary contracts and the lack of formal employment, which reduces financial security and increases social vulnerability.
Last funded project
EcuadorCuatro de Octubre
New project: Efraín used the financing from our new borrower, 4 de Octubre, to invest in his bakery, ‘El Cisne’. Since then, he has expanded his family business to three bakeries in Riobamba. Thanks to the funding and their hard work, Efraín's family is now in a much stronger economic position.