Rural economies grow stronger when the private sector acts as an active, accountable partner. We know this firsthand — because that’s the role we play, and we’ve seen the impact.
Ground Up Investing, Corus International’s impact investing arm provides early-stage capital to local enterprises so they can scale their businesses and, in turn, strengthen the economies they serve.
These enterprises are based in different countries and markets, yet they share something important. Each one is rooted in the community it serves and led by teams who understand local challenges. Their progress offers a closer look at how businesses grow when they have the support they need and why private sector collaboration matters for families and communities who depend on agriculture for their livelihoods.
Mountain Harvest’s Mwenyi Judith sorting coffee beans in Bufuma, Uganda.
Mountain Harvest: Expanding opportunity for Uganda’s coffee farmers
In the mountains of eastern Uganda, Mountain Harvest has become a trusted partner for smallholder coffee farmers. What began as a small operation has grown into a national leader in specialty coffee known for its commitment to quality and fair pricing.
Last year, Mountain Harvest continued its expansion by sourcing from new regions and increasing payments to more than 1,200 farmers. The company’s focus on regenerative agriculture helped farmers strengthen soil health and consistency in their harvests. Rotating staff into new roles also opened opportunities for workers during peak seasons.
Mountain Harvest’s model remains grounded in relationships. When prices fluctuate or weather patterns shift, the company stays present, offering reliable purchasing and technical support. These commitments give farming families more predictable income and greater confidence in the future.
Turmeric farming in Nicaragua.
Doselva: Growing incomes and healthier soils through organic spices
In Nicaragua, Doselva is showing what is possible when a business invests in both economic and ecological well-being. The company partners with farmers who grow turmeric, ginger, lemongrass and cardamom, giving them a reliable buyer in a market that is often uncertain for small-scale producers.
Last year, Doselva partnered with 377 farmers and helped improve cultivation on 273 hectares of land. More than 230 farmers now hold organic and regenerative certifications, which support healthier soils, stronger harvests and access to higher-value markets.
Farmers working with Doselva earned $687,000 last year, and increased production led many to hire additional seasonal labor or reinvest in their farms. The company’s steady growth shows how early-stage capital, paired with a clear market opportunity, can help rural families strengthen their livelihoods.
Equation: Creating pathways to premium coffee markets in Colombia
Equation connects smallholder growers in Colombia to specialty buyers who pay more for high-quality coffee. By supporting farmers with training and quality improvement, the company helps them access specialty markets that deliver higher prices and direct more income back into farming communities.
Last year, Equation sourced from more than 1,300 farmers and paid $3.3 million to producers. Many growers received premium payments of 40 to 100 percent above standard prices for micro-lots. The company also reinvests in soil health through its Soil Revolution Fund, which dedicates a portion of sales to restoration efforts. By rewarding quality and reinvesting in the land, Equation helps farmers strengthen both their incomes and their production systems.
Sisters Hanan and Zeinab Ismail are the founders of Garbaliser in Lebanon.
Garbaliser: Turning organic waste into opportunity in Lebanon
Garbaliser, a women-led enterprise in Lebanon, transforms organic waste into affordable liquid fertilizer and small-scale digesters for communities with limited waste management systems. In places where waste disposal and soil fertility are ongoing challenges, Garbaliser offers a practical and community-centered solution.
Last year marked a turning point for the company. After more than a year of delays caused by legal complexities and regional instability, Garbaliser secured early investment from Ground Up Investing that will help it expand production and reach more clients. The company now serves 400 customers and has deployed more than 100 digesters in communities that need affordable tools to manage waste and support crop production.
The persistence of its founders reflects a deep commitment to serving local communities even in demanding environments. Their progress highlights why patient investment and long-term partnership matter.
Growing stronger rural economies, one enterprise at a time
Mountain Harvest, Doselva, Equation and Garbaliser each showed how early investment and strong business partnerships can strengthen rural livelihoods. Their progress reflects the core purpose of Ground Up Investing. When local enterprises have the capital and support they need, they create steadier income and new opportunities for families, strengthening resilient communities and local economies.