Microfinance
2008-07-16
Kiva Fellows Program
Filed Under:
First application deadline: August 1, 2008.
Kiva is now recruiting for its fall class of Fellows. The Kiva Fellows Program offers individuals a rare opportunity to travel abroad and witness firsthand the impact and realities of microfinance, by working directly with a host microfinance institution (MFI). The Kiva Fellow is an unpaid, volunteer based position designed to increase Kiva's impact and to offer participants a unique insider experience. Past participants have found the fellowship to be a great first step in a career in microfinance or international development.
Please visit our website for application deadlines:
http://www.kiva.org/about/fellows-program.
Successful Kiva Fellows tend to share certain skills and characteristics:
* Overseas experience (preferably in developing countries)
* High degree of flexibility, self-motivation and problem solving
* Excellent writing skills
* Enthusiasm for Kiva!
* Familiarity and comfort with various web applications
* Dedication to working in the field with a microfinance institution
* Ability and commitment to fundraise for their trip
* Sincere interest in microfinance
* Longer stays (4 months +) are preferred
Past Kiva Fellows with the following skills have found great success in the program:
* Fluency or advanced communication ability in French, Spanish, Russian, or other language in a country where Kiva has a presence
* Background in economics/finance/consulting will greatly enhance your ability to provide support to the host MFI
Kiva Fellows Program Mission Statement
The Kiva Fellows Program ignites passion in our Fellows to engage in microfinance and empowers them be a voice for Kiva and our field partners. Fellows gain in-field microfinance experience, and an appreciation of the innovative and purposeful grassroots efforts that our network of MFIs implement through their work on Kiva. Kiva motivates our Fellows to seek ways that they can add value to our partnerships and to Kiva. We challenge them to view microfinance both in its successes and struggles from the ground up.
Kiva Fellow Core Responsibilities:
The Kiva Fellow is an integral part of the Kiva Team, acting as Kiva's eyes and ears in the field and helping to extend limited resources to maximum effect. Kiva Fellows fulfill tasks set out in a Work Plan, defined by Kiva along with the host microfinance institution (MFI).
Please visit our website for application deadlines:
http://www.kiva.org/about/fellows-program.
Successful Kiva Fellows tend to share certain skills and characteristics:
* Overseas experience (preferably in developing countries)
* High degree of flexibility, self-motivation and problem solving
* Excellent writing skills
* Enthusiasm for Kiva!
* Familiarity and comfort with various web applications
* Dedication to working in the field with a microfinance institution
* Ability and commitment to fundraise for their trip
* Sincere interest in microfinance
* Longer stays (4 months +) are preferred
Past Kiva Fellows with the following skills have found great success in the program:
* Fluency or advanced communication ability in French, Spanish, Russian, or other language in a country where Kiva has a presence
* Background in economics/finance/consulting will greatly enhance your ability to provide support to the host MFI
Kiva Fellows Program Mission Statement
The Kiva Fellows Program ignites passion in our Fellows to engage in microfinance and empowers them be a voice for Kiva and our field partners. Fellows gain in-field microfinance experience, and an appreciation of the innovative and purposeful grassroots efforts that our network of MFIs implement through their work on Kiva. Kiva motivates our Fellows to seek ways that they can add value to our partnerships and to Kiva. We challenge them to view microfinance both in its successes and struggles from the ground up.
Kiva Fellow Core Responsibilities:
The Kiva Fellow is an integral part of the Kiva Team, acting as Kiva's eyes and ears in the field and helping to extend limited resources to maximum effect. Kiva Fellows fulfill tasks set out in a Work Plan, defined by Kiva along with the host microfinance institution (MFI).
2008-05-05
Asia-Pacific Regional Microcredit Summit 2008
Filed Under:
July 28-30, 2008, Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia
The Microcredit Summit Campaign and Gema PKM Indonesia will co-host the Asia-Pacific Regional Microcredit Summit 2008. We invite you to join the top leaders in the fight to end global poverty.
Click here to Register Online Now!
Clinton Global Citizen Award Winner to Speak at Summit
Fazle Hasa AbedMr. Fazle Hasan Abed, Founder and Chairperson of BRAC and 2007 Inaugural Clinton Global Citizen Award winner, is confirmed to attend and speak at the conference. Mr. Abed will speak at the plenary session entitled Building Financial Systems that Work for the Majority: Local Currency Borrowing, On-Lending Savings, Autonomous Credit Funds, and Appropriate Legal Framework as well as at the Council Meeting for Practitioners and Non-Governmental Organizations.
Summit Highlights
Muhammad Yunus2006 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Muhammad Yunus, Founder and Managing Director of Grameen Bank, will participate in the conference! Join other leaders in the field of microfinance by registering today!
The Detailed Agenda has been updated with confirmed speakers including Mr. R.M. Malla (SIDBI, India), Mr. Md. Shafiqual Haque Choudhury (ASA, Bangladesh), Mr. A. Ramanathan (NABARD, India), Ms. Roshaneh Zafar (Kashf Foundation, Pakistan), Mr. Gregory Casagrande (SPBDF, Western Samoa), Ms. Anh-Tuyet Dinh (Binhminh CDC, Vietnam), and Mr. Fahmid Karim Bhuiya (Pact Myanmar, Myanmar). The Detailed Agenda will be updated weekly with newly confirmed participants.
Click here to see the Detailed Agenda now.
Click here to Register Online Now!
Clinton Global Citizen Award Winner to Speak at Summit
Fazle Hasa AbedMr. Fazle Hasan Abed, Founder and Chairperson of BRAC and 2007 Inaugural Clinton Global Citizen Award winner, is confirmed to attend and speak at the conference. Mr. Abed will speak at the plenary session entitled Building Financial Systems that Work for the Majority: Local Currency Borrowing, On-Lending Savings, Autonomous Credit Funds, and Appropriate Legal Framework as well as at the Council Meeting for Practitioners and Non-Governmental Organizations.
Summit Highlights
Muhammad Yunus2006 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Muhammad Yunus, Founder and Managing Director of Grameen Bank, will participate in the conference! Join other leaders in the field of microfinance by registering today!
The Detailed Agenda has been updated with confirmed speakers including Mr. R.M. Malla (SIDBI, India), Mr. Md. Shafiqual Haque Choudhury (ASA, Bangladesh), Mr. A. Ramanathan (NABARD, India), Ms. Roshaneh Zafar (Kashf Foundation, Pakistan), Mr. Gregory Casagrande (SPBDF, Western Samoa), Ms. Anh-Tuyet Dinh (Binhminh CDC, Vietnam), and Mr. Fahmid Karim Bhuiya (Pact Myanmar, Myanmar). The Detailed Agenda will be updated weekly with newly confirmed participants.
Click here to see the Detailed Agenda now.
2008-04-28
Microfinance Insights Magazine photo contest
Filed Under:
Entries due by 20th June 2008.
Microfinance Insights, the quarterly magazine, invites you to participate in its Photo Contest and offers a chance to win an Amazon.com $150 gift certificate.
View details.
Submit your entry before 20th June' 2008
Microfinance Insights is:
View details.
Submit your entry before 20th June' 2008
Microfinance Insights is:
- The first quarterly microfinance magazine of its kind globally.
- A themed publication with over 70 pages of in-depth coverage and analysis of the microfinance sector, latest trends, expert opinions, global viewpoints.
- Focused on the international economic landscape but also concerned with the social dimensions of the field.
- Packed with regular features including news and sectoral reports, book reviews, organization profiles, events calendar, interviews, economic and financial indicators, and job listings.
2008-03-30
August Seminar : Fostering Entrepreneurship & Leadership, Geneva
Filed Under:
Centre for Applied Studies in International Negotiations (CASIN) is now accepting applications. Deadline to apply 25th April 2008. Seminar is 10 Aug 2008 - 16 Aug 2008 in Geneva, Switzerland.
Centre for Applied Studies in International Negotiations (CASIN) , www.casin.ch, is now accepting application for the 30th Seminar on "Fostering Entrepreneurship & Leadership."
4) Key Speakers
The programme is designed for business leaders, social entrepreneurs, managers in micro- and SME finance institutions, development finance institutions, foundations, NGOs and public authorities who are committed to obtaining better triple bottom line results.
Participants are selected to reflect international diversity and leadership skills. Participation is limited to 25 individuals. The deadline to receive application is 25th April 2008 and application form can be downloaded from the website. There is a charge of CHF 2170/- to attend the seminar. A few fellowships are available.
Key Features include
1)Uncover what Geneva-based international organizations such as the International Trade Centre (ITC) are doing to promote business-enabling environments, improve M&SME competitiveness and promote greater access to international markets. Hear from commercial financial actors that are supplying private international capital to microentrepreneurs (BlueOrchard and Bamboo Finance) or channelling strategic philanthropy to social initiatives (UBS) thus unleashing the pro-development impact of mainstream finance. Hear from experts in social entrepreneurship) on how to further unleash the potential of high social impact with commercial sustainability. And for the first time ever, spend a full day at IMD, one of the leading business schools in the world. There, under the leadership of 2 IMD faculty members each participant will have three MBA students working on the participant's case study, exchanging experiences and know-how that will deliver clear take-home value for all.
2)Bring Your Own Case for Discussion
The seminar provides a forum to present and discuss real cases brought by participants. The cases will reflect innovative responses that foster effective and equitable development by financing local development and promoting entrepreneurship. In this way, seminar participants will be exposed to inspiring case studies on microfinance, enterprise development, social entrepreneurship and innovative public-private partnerships. The seminar will give you an opportunity to look at your business from a different angle. You will examine your mission, strategies and goals.
3) Negotiation Skills and Leadership
At a negotiation workshop participants will:
• Assess their negotiation capabilities
• Identify their strengths and weaknesses;
• Better understand the other party's position;
• Identify and sketch strategies to overcome obstacles and achieve goals.
4) Key Speakers
Prominent speakers will exchange with and challenge participants with new approaches to entrepreneurship and development. The Fostering Entrepreneurship & Leadership seminar aims to promote Emerging Leaders from around the world by offering them access to individual and institutional resource providers.
5) Real Take-Home Value & Network of Participants
Over the past 29 years, the Management of Interdependence Series has served as a forum for dialogue in the search for policy options at national and international levels. It has brought together 1,324 participants from 116 countries representing a wide range of ministries and government agencies, international organisations, NGOs, trade unions, and academics.
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
2008-02-16
The Center for Financial Services Innovation (CFSI) Nonprofit Opportunities Fund
Filed Under:
Average grant size $200,000-$300,000. Proposals due Friday, March 14, 2008.
The Center for Financial Services Innovation (CFSI) is now requesting proposals for its Nonprofit Opportunities Fund. CFSI seeks to support 4-6 pioneering, nonprofit organizations providing innovative financial services and asset-development opportunities that move underbanked consumers towards financial prosperity. Funded through a grant from the Wal-Mart Foundation, the grants will be the largest in both size and scope ever awarded by CFSI—a total of $1.25 million. The average grant size will be $200,000-$300,000.
CFSI intends to fund innovative projects aimed at underserved consumers that both address these consumers’ short-term financial needs and promote their long-term financial well-being. CFSI strongly encourages collaborative ventures involving multiple parties. CFSI will give special priority to proposals involving innovative distribution and marketing strategies or new products and services. CFSI has particular interest in short-term credit, prepaid cards, workplace-based solutions, and self-service delivery channels.
Please visit www.cfsinnovation.com to download the RFP. The deadline to submit a proposal is Friday, March 14, 2008 at 11:59PM CST.
2008-01-25
Srijan Microfinance Business Plan Competition 2008
Filed Under:
Open to business models promoting financial inclusion of the poor. Deadline: March 15th, 2008
Intellecap in partnership with Aavishkaar Goodwell and The Financial Express is proud to announce the launch of the Srijan Microfinance Business Plan Competition 2008.
Srijan (meaning creation in English) is a search for entrepreneurs, groups, individuals and microfinance institutions with innovative ideas and viable business models that aim at improving the sector and promoting financial inclusion of the poor.
Srijan (meaning creation in English) is a search for entrepreneurs, groups, individuals and microfinance institutions with innovative ideas and viable business models that aim at improving the sector and promoting financial inclusion of the poor.
This annual business plan competition provides both start ups and established businesses an excellent opportunity to:
· Showcase innovative and dynamic ideas that can fuel the microfinance sector.
· Network with people who are not only interested in the sector, but also monitor and promote it.
· Gain the assistance of experts within the sector to further build upon their ideas.
· Build linkages to the investment community.
· Receive mentoring support from experts
· Win cash awards
Above all, Srijan provides entrepreneurs an opportunity to actually see their business plans being implemented.
If interested kindly register and submit your 5 page business summary (this is inclusive of the cover page) to submit@srijan2008.com. Registration forms and competition details can be downloaded at http://srijan2008.com/srijan.html
2007-07-30
Intellecap
Filed Under:
Capital Structuring for Sustainable Microfinance
Intellectual Capital Advisory Services Pvt. Ltd. (Intellecap) has announced the fourth delivery of the training course titled 'Towards the Mainstream: Capital Structuring for Sustainable Microfinance'.
This three day course is scheduled for 5-7 September, 2007 at Hyderabad, India. Participants from MFIs, investors, lenders and consulting companies from across India as well as from other countries including Indonesia, the Philippines, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have attended and appreciated the program in the past.
The course brochure is available here.
To avail of the Early Bird offer of a discount of 10% on the course fees, register by July 31st, 2007. For any queries regarding the course curriculum or logistical arrangements, please write to Radhika.
This three day course is scheduled for 5-7 September, 2007 at Hyderabad, India. Participants from MFIs, investors, lenders and consulting companies from across India as well as from other countries including Indonesia, the Philippines, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have attended and appreciated the program in the past.
The course brochure is available here.
To avail of the Early Bird offer of a discount of 10% on the course fees, register by July 31st, 2007. For any queries regarding the course curriculum or logistical arrangements, please write to Radhika.
2007-05-14
ACCION International
Filed Under:
Microfinance Cracking the Capital Markets
ACCION International is pleased to announce the release of the following publication:
ACCION InSight No. 22: Microfinance Cracking the Capital Markets II By Rekha Reddy
Investment in microfinance, particularly cross-border investment, is booming. Who is investing? What are the latest deals? What types of advances need to occur to build a healthy infrastructure for debt and equity investments into microfinance? How do we manage the risks investors face? These questions were discussed as part of the second Microfinance Cracking the Capital Markets conference, hosted by ACCION International and sponsored by Credit Suisse.
The conference, which took place in New York on March 19-20, 2007, brought together more than 300 fund managers, emerging markets specialists and intermediaries to consider these questions. It highlighted the growth in microfinance investment, innovations in structured deals and ways in which microfinance institutions (MFIs) and investments need to develop to integrate more fully into the capital markets.
This publication is available for download free-of-charge.
ACCION InSight No. 22: Microfinance Cracking the Capital Markets II By Rekha Reddy
Investment in microfinance, particularly cross-border investment, is booming. Who is investing? What are the latest deals? What types of advances need to occur to build a healthy infrastructure for debt and equity investments into microfinance? How do we manage the risks investors face? These questions were discussed as part of the second Microfinance Cracking the Capital Markets conference, hosted by ACCION International and sponsored by Credit Suisse.
The conference, which took place in New York on March 19-20, 2007, brought together more than 300 fund managers, emerging markets specialists and intermediaries to consider these questions. It highlighted the growth in microfinance investment, innovations in structured deals and ways in which microfinance institutions (MFIs) and investments need to develop to integrate more fully into the capital markets.
This publication is available for download free-of-charge.
2006-12-19
Help Unitus fight global poverty!
Filed Under:
Unitus is a non-profit organization based in Redmond, WA with a focus on microfinance (tiny but life-changing loans for those in poverty who may not have any other way of building a business or accessing important capital to help themselves and their family).
Its mission is to alleviate global poverty by increasing access to microfinance, and it does this by investing in and consulting with microfinance institutions (MFIs = small banks and other organizations that provide microloans to the working poor); helping them to increase their capacity and reach. In short, Unitus is an organization that believes microfinance is a powerful tool for empowering the poor, and its goal is to ensure millions of people have access to much-needed loans and financial services. Unitus already helps serve over 1 million of the world’s working poor and it has very ambitious goals to do even more in 2007.
As you think about your plans for the holiday season, you may want to consider a donation. You can also help Unitus when you buy your holiday gifts at Amazon.com!
Its mission is to alleviate global poverty by increasing access to microfinance, and it does this by investing in and consulting with microfinance institutions (MFIs = small banks and other organizations that provide microloans to the working poor); helping them to increase their capacity and reach. In short, Unitus is an organization that believes microfinance is a powerful tool for empowering the poor, and its goal is to ensure millions of people have access to much-needed loans and financial services. Unitus already helps serve over 1 million of the world’s working poor and it has very ambitious goals to do even more in 2007.
As you think about your plans for the holiday season, you may want to consider a donation. You can also help Unitus when you buy your holiday gifts at Amazon.com!
