The Eco Social Development Organization (ESDO) has been operating as a social business since its inception in 1988, with the aim to expand its scale of operations in developing local markets for handicrafts, organic mustard oil, a Livelihood Museum), cultural theatre and a children’s hospital. The SME planned to establish a hub for local cheese producers through a supply value chain development project, called the Thakurgaon Mozzarella Cheese Brand-ing, Packaging and Distribution Center.

UNCDF granted $60,000 for the construction of a distribution centre and the procurement of mozzarella cheese from local women produc-ers. The project includes the establishment of a special-purpose vehicle (SPV) that offers ownership through stock options to local women suppliers.