ANDE Asia chapters, in collaboration with Roots of Impact, is pleased to invite you to our Asia Small and Growing Business (SGB) Finance Learning Series where we explore innovative financing approaches for SGBs across Asia. Through interactive sessions, the series introduces the concept and practice of Impact-Linked Finance, shares real-world implementation lessons, and explores how these tools can help unlock more capital for impact-driven enterprises in the region.  

Session 1: Building an Impact Ecosystem with Impact-Linked Finance
📅 Thursday 5 June 2025
🕙 14.00-15.15 ICT

In the first session, we will shine a spotlight on the Biniyog-Briddhi (B-Briddhi) program—a pioneering initiative supported by the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh and implemented by Roots of Impact and LightCastle Partners. For six years, B-Briddhi has helped impact enterprises in Bangladesh become investment-ready by offering targeted technical assistance on impact management and preparing them for investment through innovative financing tools.

This session will explore how Impact-Linked Finance, a results-based approach that rewards positive outcomes, is used alongside technical support to build a robust pipeline of investable small and growing businesses (SGBs). Participants will learn about the B-Briddhi approach, key lessons from Bangladesh’s experience, and the potential to adapt and scale these practices across Southeast Asia.

Our speaker

Adrija Das

Adrija Das is the Manager of Impact Intelligence & Education at Roots of Impact. She is leading the current phase of the Biniyog Briddhi program and contributes to various initiatives, including the implementation of Impact-Linked Finance transactions, knowledge dissemination, and partnership development.

Bijon Islam

Bijon Islam is the co-founder and CEO of LightCastle Partners, a data-driven consulting firm working to scale impact and growth for development partners, corporations, SMEs, and startups. He has led 150+ projects, supported 1,500+ enterprises, and mobilized over USD 150 million in investments. Bijon previously worked at Citibank N.A. A recognized startup and entrepreneurship ecosystem builder. 

Rifad Hossain

Rifad Hossain is the Founder and CEO of Shomvob, with eight years of experience across FMCG, retail, and logistics. An electrical engineer by training, he brings deep expertise in large-scale manufacturing and business operations within Bangladesh’s RMG sector—the second-largest in the world. Known for turning data into actionable strategies, Rifad combines sharp analytical skills with a strong execution mindset to build scalable solutions and drive impactful change.

Mercy Zulu-Hume

Mercy Zulu-Hume leads the Advisory and Advocacy team at Roots of Impact, where she provides strategic Impact-Linked Finance advisory and manages high-impact programs and funds. Her previous experience includes venture capital, impact investing, and sustainable finance, where she supported investment management and entrepreneurship programs in frontier markets.