Santa Isabel is a non-profit savings and credit cooperative that has been supporting small entrepreneurs in Peru since 2016. With 34 branches across regions like Piura, Lambayeque, La Libertad, and Ancash, it provides financial services to communities with limited access to banks.
The cooperative primarily serves women entrepreneurs, who make up 94% of its members. It offers tailored loans to strengthen micro-businesses in trade, production, and services. Beyond financing, Santa Isabel provides financial education, entrepreneurship training, and savings programs, helping business owners manage their operations and plan for the future.
Members also benefit from collective medical discounts and educational programs for children. With over 1.2 million loans disbursed, Santa Isabel plays a key role in fostering economic stability in the communities it serves.
General information
| Borrower | Cooperativa de Ahorro y Credito Santa Isabel Perunorte |
| Country | Peru |
| Head office | Piura |
| Website | https://santaisabel.com.pe/ |
| Founded | 31 March 2016 |
| Active on Lendahand since | 27 March 2025 |
| Credit Score | B |
Financial information per 2025-09-30
| Portfolio Overview | €32,397,695 |
| Leverage ratio | 83.75% |
| Write-off ratio | 0.46% |
| % investment amount in arrears (>90 days) | 2.17% |
About Peru
Peru, on South America's west coast, boasts diverse landscapes, from the Andes Mountains to the Amazon Rainforest and Pacific shores. Lima, its capital, is the economic and cultural hub of its 34 million people, whose Indigenous, European, African, and Asian heritage shapes Peru’s vibrant traditions and cuisine. The economy thrives on mining, agriculture, fishing, and tourism, with Peru as a major exporter of copper, gold, and quinoa. While growth has reduced poverty, rural communities still face financial exclusion. Microfinance and entrepreneurship initiatives are expanding access to capital, helping underserved populations build sustainable livelihoods.
Last funded project
PeruAcross Peru, many women work tirelessly to keep their businesses running. They sell goods at local markets, run small shops or offer services from home. But without access to financial services, growth remains out of reach. Your investment in Santa Isabel opens the door to new opportunities and lasting progress.