Draft programme EMN Annual Conference 2011
Completing microfinance with sustainable non-financial services
But who will pay the ferryman?
The 8th Annual International Conference of the European Microfinance Network (EMN) taking place
on 9 and 10 June, intends to be a highly interactive meeting place of minds, ideas and
experiences. The Conference will be opened by HRH Princess Máxima of the Netherlands in her
capacity of UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development and
member of the Dutch Council on Microfinance. It will furthermore host experts from all corners of
the microfinance field, both within and beyond the microfinance sector.
9 June - Day one
07.30-08.45: Registration and welcome with coffee; subscription for the European Café
09.00-09.02: “Microfinance in Europe, and the many lessons to learn from others”
Start of the morning session, chaired by Diederik Laman Trip (Netherlands
Council for Microfinance).
09.02-09.10: Word of Welcome by the EMN President Klaas Molenaar
09.10-09.25: Opening speech by HRH Princess Máxima, in her capacity of
UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for
Development
09.25-09.45: Keynote speech by László Andor, EU Commissioner for Employment,
Social Affairs and Inclusion.
09.45-10.30: Coffee break - “Meet the Microentrepreneurs”.
10.30-11.25: European Café: “How will we finance our support services?”
Informal, interactive meeting place, to meet and discuss issues presented at the
opening session. As in a typical “café”, participants will be seated by group of 6
to 10 people to discuss the main issues for financing the business support
services delivered to microentrepreneurs.
11.25-12.30: Launch of the EMN Innovation Race (case study – to be confirmed).
Moderator: Daniel Sorrosal, Executive Secretary EMN.
(9 June - day one continued)
11.30-12.30: Interactive South North debate “Who pays the ferryman?”
Keynote by Luís Felipe Derteano (Grupo ACP / Mibanco, Peru). Reaction by
Jochen Bloß (Deutsches Mikrofinanzinstitut, Germany). Moderator: Klaas
Molenaar (EMN President) / Maria Doiciu (EMN Vice President, Director of
Eurom, Romania).
12.30-14.00: Lunch buffet and presentation of the Investors’ Market
14.00-14.05: Introduction to the afternoon session by the moderator: Joyce Kimwaga
Lundin (Neem, Sweden).
14.05-15.00: Interactive South North debate: “Does BDS improve microfinance
services – is it wise to be financed?”
With Jennifer Riria (CEO of Kenya Women's Finance Trust and Chair of the
Association of Microfinance Institutions AMFI in Kenya) and reaction by Andrea
Limone (Per Micro, Italy). Moderator: Merten Sievers (International Labour
Organisation, Italy).
15.00-15.15: “Microfinance – the positive approach” by Camie Bonger.
15.15-15.30: Tea break and opportunity to meet with microfinance investors and other
organisations supporting the conference
15.30-17.00: First round of simultaneous breakout sessions:
Enterprise support services, who benefits – the borrower or the lender?
Chair: ??? Lecturette and debate with panel and audience, presented by
Merten Sievers (International Labour Organisation, Italy). Panelists: Arno
Berger* (ADIE, France) and Luís Felipe Derteano (Grupo ACP, Peru).
To link or not to link?
Open space debate moderated by Alberic Pater (Triodos Facet, The
Netherlands) with presentation by Marjolein de Boer (Managing Director,
Eigen Baas, The Netherlands) and reaction by Jennifer Riria (CEO of
Kenya Women's Finance Trust and Chair of the Association of Microfinance
Institutions AMFI in Kenya).
What do we really know about BDS in relation to Microfinance?
Roundtable with researchers presented by Margot Lobbezoo (InHolland
University Researcher, The Netherlands). Speakers: Erik Lubberding
(Junior Advisor, Region of Nijmegen); Vlad Mihut (ROMCOM, Romania);
Ms. Debritu, Dutch entrepreneur
Why do savings matter?
Listenshop with three presentations. Moderator: Faisal Rahman (Fair
Finance, UK). Speakers: Abdoulaye Fall (ACAF, Spain), Bernard Bayot
(Résau Financement Alternatif, Belgium), Omar Khan (Assetnet, UK)
(9 June - day one continued)
BDS 2.0 – can we apply IT in BDS?
Best practices and elevator pitches. Facilitator: Jan Wilhelm Wolff.
Speakers: Vincent Stulen (Qredits, The Netherlands), Unni Beate
Sekkesæter (NCN, Norway), Martin Ferry (PSYBT, UK).
What should MFIs in the European Union EU keep in mind? Lessons
learned from developing countries.
Presentation of key lessons. Moderator: Daniel Sorrosal (EMN). Speakers:
Leo Soldaat (HIVOS, The Netherlands) and MicroNed (tbc).
17.00-17.30: The EMN European Microcredit Research and the Best Practices for
European Microfinance Programmes Awards 2011 Ceremony
For the third time, the Giordano Dell’Amore foundation will announce the winner
of the award on innovation and good practices for European Microfinance
programmes. The winner of the 2011 European Microcredit Research Award
will be also officially announced.
17.30 – 17.45: Closing of the first conference day by Daniel Sorrosal (EMN Executive
Secretary, Belgium).
19.30 – 00.00 Festive Dinner at Wintergarden, Hotel Krasnapolsky – “The social link”.
10 June – Second day
06.00-09.00: Field visit - the Aalsmeer Flower Auction
08.30-09.00: Participants’ welcome
09.00-09.05: Introduction to the second day of the conference, chaired by Giampietro Pizzo
(Microfinanzas, Italy)
09.05-09.45: “The way ahead – what do we expect the sector to achieve with the
funding available?”
Key note by Peter Ramsden (URBACT, UK) and Maria Doiciu
(Eurom,Romania). Reaction by Marc Schublin (European Investment Fund,
Luxemburg). Moderator: Daniel Sorrosal (EMN Executive Secretary, Belgium).
09.45-11.15: Second round of simultaneous breakout sessions:
Enterprise support services, who benefits – the borrower or the lender?
Chair: ??? Lecturette with panel and debate with attendees. Speaker:
Robert Lensink (Professor of Finance and Development, Groningen
University, The Netherlands). Reactions by Nathalie Denis* (CREDAL,
Belgium).
How to ensure that BDS will grow well?
Panel discussion by means of interviews of key players in EMN Growth
working group. Moderator: Michael Unterberg (Evers&Jung, Germany)
To link or not to link?
Open space debate moderated by Alberic Pater (Triodos Facet, The
Netherlands) with panelists Joan Jllivina (C’PAC, Spain) and Jochen Bloß
(Deutsches Mikrofinanzinstitut, Germany).
Who pays the ferryman in your country?
Moderated by Maria Doiciu (Eurom, Romania), Debate with introduction by
Raymond Maes (Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion DG, European
Commission); reaction by Bettina Reuter (Ministry of Employment/ESF
coordinator, Germany) and R. Guzman (Ministry of Employment/ESF
coordinator, Spain)
How to measure (social) effects of BDS?
Interactive workshop. Moderator: Geert Jan Schuite (Triodos Facet, The
Netherlands). With contributions by three key players from the EMN Social
Performance working group.
Will codes of conducts or quality standards improve your performance?
Moderated by Joyce Kimwaga (NEEM, Sweden), Speakers: Philippe
Delvaux* (European Commission DG Regional Policy), Karl Dayson*
(University of Salford), Ben Simmes* (Oikokredit)
(10 June – second day continued)
What really helped me?
Interview with microentrepreneurs from EMN network by journalist (tbc).
11.15-11.45: Young Leaders’ Session: “In which direction does microfinance in Europe need
to evolve? Financial services only for the socially excluded or comprehensive
packages for microentrepreneurs?”
Moderator: Sandra Moreau (EMN, Belgium).
Panelists: Faisal Rahman (Fair Finance, UK); Jean Claude Rodriguez
(ACAF, Spain); Jennifer Rowe (GoodBee, Austria) and Maria Faddoul (ADIE,
France).
11.45-12.15: Results of the Innovation Race: “How can we prepare for growth?” (tbc)
12.15-12.45: “The future of microfinance in Europe: what can we learn from the South and
the present debate?”
Closing note by Mr Gert van Maanen, former Managing Director Oikocredit and
leading thinker in microfinance.
12.45-13.00: Presentation hosting country 2012: Romania
13.00-13.15: Closing remarks by EMN President Klaas Molenaar
13.15-14.00: Lunch buffet - “Meet the Microentrepreneurs”
14.00-19.00: Field visits: Microshopping in Amsterdam.
Including surprise transportation, unique touristic highlights, visit to
Entrepreneurs House Amsterdam and presentation by the Dutch Foundation for
Microfinance Qredits
Detailed description of the break-out sessions
DAY 1:
SIMULTANEOUS BREAK OUT SESSIONS / ROUND TABLE / OPEN SPACE/ DEBATE
AND MINI LECTURES: 15.30 to 17:00
Enterprise support services, who benefits – the borrower or the lender?
Microfinance institutions generally agree that loans are not enough to make a business
successful. Both the borrower and lender welcome enterprise support services to reduce
the risks linked to start or expand a business. But do both parties benefit equally from
support services? Are support services a financial burden for MFIs? Do entrepreneurs
receive the services they need to maximize their chance of success?
Chair: ??? Lecturette and debate with panel and audience, presented by Merten Sievers
(International Labour Organisation, Italy). Panelists: Arno Berger* (ADIE, France) and Luís
Felipe Derteano (Grupo ACP, Peru).
To link or not to link?
First we abolished Business Development Services (BDS) adhering to a minimalistic
approach. Now microfinance institutions argue that micro loans are best granted when they
are linked with BDS. Should those services indeed be provided by MFIs? In combination
with lending; as a comprehensive package or as supplementary services? Should they be
optional or conditional?
Open space debate moderated by Alberic Pater (Triodos Facet, The Netherlands) with
presentation by Marjolein de Boer (Managing Director, Eigen Baas, The Netherlands) and
reaction by Jennifer Riria (CEO of Kenya Women's Finance Trust and Chair of the
Association of Microfinance Institutions AMFI in Kenya).
What do we really know about BDS in relation to Microfinance?
The central question of the workshop will be: what do we know and what do we not know
about BDS? In a participatory way researchers and practitioners will be challenged to
discuss about what they know of BDS with four experts: a researcher, a funder/donor, a
BDS practitioner and an entrepreneur. First, a short introduction will be provided on the
kinds of and experiences with BDS provision of EMN partners. Then, participants will break
up in smaller groups to join the discussion with at least two of the speakers. At the end of
the workshop all participants return to a plenary discussion to come up with new research
questions: What would we still like to know about BDS and why?
Roundtable with researchers presented by Margot Lobbezoo (InHolland University
Researcher, The Netherlands). Speakers: Erik Lubberding (Junior Advisor, Region of
Nijmegen); Vlad Mihut (ROMCOM, Romania); Ms. Debritu, Dutch entrepreneur
Why do savings matter?
In this session, members of the working group will explore why asset building is important
and how a range of savings solutions can foster entrepreneurship and sustainable business
development. The workshop will draw on members’ experiences to look specifically at three
approaches to saving - precautionary, goal-setting and long-term – and consider their
relationship with microfinance more generally
Listenshop with three presentations. Moderator: Faisal Rahman (Fair Finance, UK).
Speakers: Abdoulaye Fall (ACAF, Spain), Bernard Bayot (Résau Financement Alternatif,
Belgium), Omar Khan (Assetnet, UK)
BDS 2.0 – can we apply IT in BDS?
This workshop will address one of the most topical issues for microfinance organisations
these days: Information Technology. In an innovative set-up we will discover how IT can (or
cannot) effectively contribute to improving the relationship with our customers, including
increased outreach. Good practice pitches will be followed by interactive roundtable
discussions on specific questions. A collaborative working environment facilitated by a
professional moderator will help find practical solutions to these questions. Come join a
thrilling1 experience!
Best practices and elevator pitches. Facilitator: Jan Wilhelm Wolff. Speakers: Vincent
Stulen (Qredits, The Netherlands), Unni Beate Sekkesæter (NCN, Norway), Martin Ferry
(PSYBT, UK).
What should MFIs in the European Union EU keep in mind? Lessons learned from
developing countries.
Microfinance in Europe differs greatly from Microfinance in developing countries, where the
predominant model is based on a credit only approach, recurrent step lending and focus on
existing income generating activities. That model has brought a number of MFIs in
developing countries much closer to sustainability. But nowadays to embark on BDS again
and have designed approached that seem to be cost recovering as well. What can we learn
in Europe learn from the rest of the world? What should we avoid?
Presentation of key lessons. Moderator: Daniel Sorrosal (EMN). Speakers: Leo Soldaat
(HIVOS, The Netherlands) and MicroNed (tbc).
1
beware: participants will have to participate and give the best they have! because the outcomes
will be used for practical improvements the coming year.
DAY 2
SIMULTANEOUS BREAK OUT SESSIONS / ROUND TABLE / OPEN SPACE/ DEBATE AND
MINI LECTURES: 9:45 to 11:15
Enterprise support services, who benefits – the borrower or the lender?
Microfinance institutions generally agree that loans are not enough to make a business
successful. Both the borrower and lender welcome enterprise support services to reduce
the risks linked to start or expand a business. But do both parties benefit equally from
support services? Are support services a financial burden for MFIs? Do entrepreneurs
receive the services they need to maximize their chance of success?
Chair: ??? Lecturette with panel. Speaker: Robert Lensink (Professor of Finance and
Development, Groningen University, The Netherlands). Reactions by Nathalie Denis*
(CREDAL, Belgium).
How to ensure that BDS will grow well?
Growth strategies of European MFIs are as diverse as the demand structures that these
organisations target in the countries they operate in. One of the more common ways to
realise portfolio growth is to reach out to excluded target groups with only limited capacities
for entrepreneurial activities. Such growth strategies have to cope with issues of risk
management and even more important: client support. But how to ensure that BDS will
grow as well, since the provision of such services differs markedly from loan provisioning in
terms of viability and scalability? The discussion will present three perspectives of
practitioners from fast growing MFIs on instruments and strategies to ensure that all your
clients get the business development support they need.
Panel discussion by means of interviews of key players in EMN Growth working group.
Moderator: Michael Unterberg (Evers&Jung, Germany)
To link or not to link?
First we abolished Business Development Services (BDS) adhering to a minimalistic
approach. Now microfinance institutions argue that micro loans are best granted when they
are linked with BDS. Should those services indeed be provided by MFIs? In combination
with lending; as a comprehensive package or as supplementary services? Should they be
optional or conditional?
Open space debate moderated by Alberic Pater (Triodos Facet, The Netherlands) with
panelists Joan Jllivina (C’PAC, Spain) and Jochen Bloß (Deutsches Mikrofinanzinstitut,
Germany).
Who pays the ferryman in your country?
As microcredit for start-ups and microenterprises continues to develop, programmes have
emerged to support the entrepreneurs in the initial phase of project preparation and/or in
the launch phase of the company after the granting of the microcredit. The practices in the
field of microcredit and the providing of non-financial services are far from uniform, and
reflect the diversity of the economic, legal and cultural environments in European countries.
How relevant and effective are they? In what form are they, or should they be offered to
MFI clients? The economic crisis nowadays has illustrated the importance to find an
answer on the question how costs of support services be financed. What role can national
and European authorities play in this matter, considering the added value that these
services represent, are topics the workshop will address.
Moderated by Maria Doiciu (Eurom, Romania), Debate with introduction by Raymond
Maes (Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion DG, European Commission); reaction by
Bettina Reuter (Ministry of Employment/ESF coordinator, Germany) and R. Guzman
(Ministry of Employment/ESF coordinator, Spain)
How to measure (social) effects of BDS?
Business Development Services (BDS) are considered crucial for people who are setting
up or have already set up their own business especially for microentrepreneurs who often
need additional technical and managerial skills. But actually, what impact do BDS really
have on the microenterprises? Do they really increase their chances of success? And how
can such effects be measured? Drawing on the expertise of the EMN Social Performance
Working Group, the workshop will provide a forum to discuss these questions.
Interactive workshop. Moderator: Geert Jan Schuite (Triodos Facet, The Netherlands).
With contributions by three key players from the EMN Social Performance working group.
European Code of Good Conduct
Members of the EMN have adopted a Code of Conduct in line with guidelines set out by
CGAP/ Smart Campaign. The European Commission plans to issue a code of good
conduct for microcredit providers in the European Union. These are all initiatives that help
MFIs to align themselves to international standards, ensuring respect of essential ethical
values, promoting transparency and setting compliance standards for Microfinance
operators that reassure donors, investors and regulators alike. Can compliance to such
standards help European MFIs reach higher levels of sustainability? The speakers will
present these international initiatives, as well as the advantages for European MFIs to align
to these standards. The workshop will provide a unique opportunity to know more about the
implementation of the code, provide comments, and express your experience and
expectations.
Moderated by Joyce Kimwaga (NEEM, Sweden), Speakers: Philippe Delvaux*
(European Commission DG Regional Policy), Karl Dayson* (University of Salford), Ben
Simmes* (Oikokredit)
What really helped me?
This session will focus on microentrepreneurs’ experiences with Business Development
Services (BDS). Major issues will be addressed in an interactive debate, for instance: Did
the BDS match the entrepreneur’s needs? Were they relevant for to the business project?
What helped, what didn’t help? Come and ask your questions - all aspects of BDS will be
discussed lively and without any taboos.
Interview with microenterpreneurs from EMN network by journalist (tbc).