Skip to main content

20 Oct

4th European Microfinance Day: E=mc2

Event European Microfinance Day

emd hashtag

 

European Microfinance Day logo

The European Microfinance Day was launched in 2015 as a tool to highlight the impact of the microfinance sector in Europe from a social and an economic perspective. For this fourth edition, EMN and MFC asked again their members to organise local-level activities to spread the meaning and purpose of microfinance. 

More than 25 EMN & MFC members from 13 European countries joined the 4th European Microfinance Day, organising about 37 different local activities including events, seminars, debates, round tables… as well as social media campaigns, sending press releases and newsletters, video animations and special offers such as loan discounts and invitations to local branches (further details on outputs can be found below):

Brussels closing event

All pics on FlickrAdditionally, after a third edition on which efforts were mainly focused on the members’ local actions, on Friday 26 October we reorganised the central Brussels event closing the campaign.

The event gathered around 100 attendees and included a debate in line with the theme of this 4th edition, as well as the launch of the private fund Helenos. In addition, the Brussels closing event was honoured with the presence of European Commission Vice-President Jyrki Katainen who gave the closing keynote speech

4th EMD theme: E=mc2

Breaking with previous trends, the 4th EMD was celebrated under a formula: E=mc2. Everybody is familiar with it, commonly linked to its creator, Albert Einstein. Nowadays Einstein’s photo is even synonymous of creativity, inspiration, imagination.

But, why E=mc2 as the tagline for the 4th European Microfinance Day? Adapting the formula to the sphere of microfinance: E stands for Entrepreneurship, Empowerment, Employment... which comes as a result of MicroCredit to the square.

It was not a simple equation to say the least. The access to microcredit as in financial services to the excluded from the traditional banking combined with non-financial services, such as mentoring, counselling, BDS, training... may have exponential effect on the beneficiaries’ situation and the society. Several illustrative examples of this can be easily identified in our members' impact studies

This edition of the EMD wanted to put the focus on the impact that MFIs have in the financial and social inclusion of European citizens. In other words, to further support the MFIs in their activity to boost Entrepreneurship, Employment and Empowerment public policy needs to be designed taking into account the reality from the field. The support of innovative funding sources (either public or private) will be fundamental for the further & good development of the sector and creating new opportunities for the “missing entrepreneurs”. 

Press Releases

Members' Press Releases

The 4th EMD on Social Media

The 4th EMD on social media
#2018EMD: Click on the image to discover the impact of the 4th European Microfinance Day on Twitter and Facebook

Local actions

Logo Organisation ADIE

Paris, France

adie

Adie, France

We want to let people know that it is possible to create a micro-entreprise even if you do not have access to the traditional banking system. Adie can provide you funding and business development services - Charlotte Guillemot, Project Manager

Adie plans to organise to different but linked events:

  • 15th of October in Echirolles: event in partnership with the National Agency of Employment (Pôle Emploi) targeting job-seekers/potential micro-entrepreneurs
  • 18th of October in Troyes: group session to inform job-seekers/potential micro-entrepreneurs about Adie’s actions

Public targeted

Both events target job-seekers/potential micro-entrepreneurs

Visibility

The promotion of the EMD will include a post on Adie’s website and a post on Twitter with a message dedicated to EMD (using the appropriate hashtag #2018EMD).

AgroInvest

AgroInvest Fond, Serbia

Microfinance is a tool well used in the EU not only to reduce poverty but to instil innovativeness and entrepreneurial spirit in the population - Tatjana Antic Drca, Communication/Fundraising Manager

In order to promote the European Microfinance Day, Agroinvest plans to launch a campaign that will be coordinated between Serbia and Montenegro. Similar, yet, different activities, compliant to the regulatory frameworks and the situation on the market.

  • Starting from 1st October, one Client Story to be posted on Facebook, website, stressing out the impact on clients, entrepreneurial skills, self employment etc
  • Starting from 1st October, the Communication Kit will be put in place.
  • Information to the stakeholders on the European Microfinance Day and that October is the month of the European microfinance
  • On 19th or 22nd AgroInvest will organise a local event for the clients.
  • For the lobbying efforts, AgroInvest will bring a journalist / financial analyst to the central event in Brussels. The journalist / financial analyst will take interviews, stories etc and will promote Microfinance in different media.

According to Tatjana Antic, "the action plan will cover all the stakeholders. Given the fact that the EU integration process is very important for the country, the messages will be focused on microfinance as a tool to reduce poverty and support entrepreneurs, self employment and the growth of country’s economy".

And she adds "promoting microfinance is promoting self employment, opportunities for the underserved. Microfinance brings investments to the country as there are funds in the EU that are aimed only for microfinance".

Public targeted

  • Regulators
  • Media
  • Clients
  • Partners
  • Employees of AgroInvest
  • General Public

Visibility

AgroInvest will promote its campaign through mailings, social media channels and the press. 

allianceMForg

Alliance of Microfinance Organizations, Macedonia

With our activities, we will reach a wide range of current and potential microfinance clients as well as the general public, to stress the importance of the EMD and of fair microfinance - Goran Lazarevski, 

The Alliance of Microfinance Organizations has planned several activities to celebrate the 4th European Microfinance Day:

  • Disseminate the EMD poster on their website and Facebook page, as well as on the websites and Facebook pages of thier members.
  • Publish a specially designed fact-sheet for this purpose, presenting key facts from impact studies together with data of achievements of their members.
  • On Thursday 18th October: 30 minutes Facebook-live streaming show talking about Microfinance significance and the activities, with a focus on the EMD 2018 as well (this stream will be published making it visible to a wide audience)
  • On Friday 19th October: they will host a country meeting with the Microfinance Centre, discussing future forms of cooperation and marking the 4th edition of the European Microfinance Day (will be published on website and Facebook page)
  • In addition, we will host a round-table with relevant civil society organisations to discuss the principles of responsible lending and sustainable financing (also to be published on online platforms).

Public targeted

The Alliance of Microfinance Organizations wants to approach current and potential microfinance clients as well as the general public.

Visibility

As indicated, the information will be disseminated through website and Facebook. And they will publish a specially designed fact-sheet presenting key facts from impact studies together with data of achievements of their members.

Logo Organisation AMIK - Association of Microfinance Institutions of Kosovo

Prishtina, Kosovo

amik

Amik, Kosovo

We want our audience to know the role of the microcredit for the Economy and therefore social and financial inclusion, and the contribution of Kosovo MFIs towards economic empowerment and financial inclusion - Arsim Brucaj, 

AMIK has foreseen a local action consisting in a video animation that will be distributed starting from 16th of October 2018.

The content is inspired in the EMD theme, E=mc2 and highlights the Kosovo MFIs contribution to the economy and society. To date, Kosovo MFIs have served more than 550,000 clients covering all of Kosovo.

Public targeted

AMIK is addressing the general public- their beneficiaries. They also intent to attract media and policy makers.

Visibility

This year the main channel that AMIK will use to disseminate its local action will be Facebook. Likewise, AMIK will share a press release on the 19th October through the main national media. This last will be accompanied by the visuals of the 4th EMD. 

AMIK also plans to organise an interview with media focused on the work of MFIs in Kosovo and in the EU and linked to the EMD.

In addition, from 1st October AMIK and its members will communicate the EMD to its clients and stakeholders. 

Logo Organisation Banca Etica

Padova, Italy

banca etica

Banca Etica, Italy

Banca Etica plans to organise a communication campaign consisting in, in the days around 20th October, sharing some microcredit stories on their social media channels. In addition, they plan to send a press release to Italian newspapers. 

Public targeted

General public, public opinion, potential clients

Visibility

Social media channels (Twitter, Facebook) 

Logo Organisation Business Enterprise Fund

Bradford, United Kingdom

BEF

Business Enterprise Fund, United Kingdom

We are here to help the region’s businesses grow and flourish in ways that other lenders do not - Simon Jackson, Head of Investment

Business Enterprise Fund will disseminate a press release through its website on the occasion of the 4th European Microfinance Day, explaining, among others, why access to financial and non-financial services are so relevant to achieve social and financial inclusion. 

Public targeted

General public and potential clients

Visibility

Website and Twitter profile. 

Logo Organisation COOPFIN

Cagliari, Italy

Coopfin

COOPFIN, Italy

Microcredit and new entrepreneurship. A tool to promote new businesses in Central Sardinia

At the end of the event, attendees should be aware about the opportunities coming from Microcredit for the development and the start-up of their business - Emanuele Cabras, COOPFIN Director

A wider knowledge of the ATM for SME's Good Practises is one of the expected outcomes, as tools supporting local entrepreneurial development - Antonello Chessa, Region of Sardinia

Displaying EU_FLAG_CMYK.jpegDisplaying ATM for SMEs.jpg

 

 

The Autonomous Region of Sardinia - Regional Department for Planning as partner in ATM for SME's project, in cooperation with COOPFIN, the local university and other local stakeholders, will coorganise a seminar in Nuoro on the 26th of October, in the framework of the Interreg Europe project “ATM for SME's”.

The seminar aims at spreading the development of the project at local level by sharing the exchanged ATM for SME's good practices, and promoting microcredit as tool to support new small businesses in Central Sardinia. 

Central Sardinia is an area characterised by high unemployment rates, especially among young and women, where microcredit could play a special role in enhancing financial and social inclusion.

A business idea competition will be launched addressed to young people and women wishing to create new micro cooperatives.

Public targeted

The seminar is addressed to at least 50 recently established micro businesses, young people and women located in Central Sardinia that could benefit from Microcredit to develop or start their business.

Visibility

The event will be promoted mainly by social medias and by the direct channel of local stakeholders, especially local university and business associations. The local press will be involved as well.

(Update) The news concerning the event has been published on the following websites:

eki

Microcredit Foundation, Bosnia and Herzegovina

MFI has a role to fill in a gap regarding finance availability to underserved population. That is the main purpose of MFI existence and should be implemented each day - Neven Bojanić, Marketing Manager

During the whole month of October, EKI will promote easier access to microfinance through their Relax loan. On the European Microfinance Day EKI will promote main message of the EMD:

  • Posting information about the European Microfinance Day on the EKI website and Facebook page
  • Post information in the October issue of EKI Bulletin (23.000 copies)

In addition, EKI will print and post posters in all offices.

Public targeted

Potential and existing clients, general public. EKI estimates that all mentioned channels could reach over 70.000 clients, who would receive some kind of information about the European Microfinance Day.

"EKI wants to show to its clients and the public that microfinance has important role in development of their businesses and improvements in their life", says Neven Bojanić, Marketing Manager at EKI.

Visibility

As mentioned, EKI will promote its local action through its website, social media channels and the EKI Bulletin.

logo Fondazione Mons. Vito De Grisantis Fondazione Mons. Vito De Grisantis

Alessano, Italy

 

Fondazione Mons. Vito De Grisantis, Italy

The event is meant as a speech about how Europe is facing challenges and is setting up initiatives to support vulnerable and financial excluded people - Matteo Solivo, Microfinanza Srl Researcher & advisor

The event organised on the occasion of the 4th European Microfinance Day, named The role of microfinance in the inclusion of non-bankable people will be hold on 22 October and will take place in Tricase, Italy. For the event, the Italian Microfinance Network has chosen a marginal territory, de finibus terrae, to show the importance of microfinance on marginal areas.

The event will last 5 hours and 15 minutes (coffee break and light lunch included), from 9.30 to 14.45, and will be split into interventions on 3 main areas.

  • The first one will be spent on the opening of the 4th EMD and the welcome speech (15 mins).
  • The second one will be dedicated to a panel discussion on the impact of microfinance on a marginal area for inclusion: this part will involve several players of the private and public sector and will last 2 hrs and 15 mins.
  • The third one will be focused on the description of concrete experiences of inclusion (6 interventions, 10 mins each).

agenda

Public targeted

  • Public institutions at national, regional and local level
  • Practitioners, operators in the sector of microfinance
  • General public, individuals interested to the subject.

The public targeted shall be a total of 180 - 200 people.

Objectives

The event aims to raise awareness on microfinance as a tool to fight social and financial exclusion. In this edition RITMI, with Fondazione De Grisantis, will organise a round table that will involve different social actors from the area, the province of Lecce and in particular Capo di Leuca, linked to the international, national, regional and provincial reality.

As Matteo Solivo reminds, "the event is meant as a discussion on the impact that microcredit has on the concrete life of excluded people, a speech about how Europe is facing challenges and is setting up initiatives to support vulnerable and financial excluded people".

The overall objective is to draw the attention on how microfinance works in Europe and how Europe supports and helps the vulnerable population and those excluded from the traditional financial sector, especially in marginal territories. Another key point shall be explaining the coordinated work between EMN and the Italian Microfinance Network.

Visibility

The event will be promoted through emails, websites of the institutions involved, social medias and a press release.

BCR Social Finance

Bucharest, Romania

good.bee credit

good.bee Credit, Romania

Microfinance is a viable alternative to lending products offered by the banks - Laura David, Business Development and Product Management

From 20 to 27 October good.bee Credit IFN SA will celebrate in each branch the European Microfinance Day by offering clients signing a loan agreement promotional materials.

Three days prior to the event, good.bee Credit IFN will promote the event through a press release and social media campaign (Facebook, LinkedIn, Google +, Twitter) mentioning about the European Microfinance Day, the benefits of microfinance for small entrepreneurs in their development and how useful/needed non-financial services are in their activity.

Public targeted

good.bee Credit IFN SA target segment: small entrepreneurs, agricultural producers, authorised persons, individual enterprise, family enterprise, start-ups, etc. with limited access to financial products promoted by banks. In total, good.bee Credit IFN SA expects to reach about 100 clients.

With its local action, good.bee Credit IFN SA would like their audience to them to keep in mind that microfinance is a viable alternative to lending products offered by the banks:

  • Increasing the awareness of microfinance institutions all over Romania and their importance in developing and sustaining clients` activity;
  • Given the image some Financial Institutions promoting pay-day loans have in Romania (i.e. of totally unfair financing and incredible high APR) - they would like the public to make a clear distinction between the above-mentioned Financial Institutions and the MFIs  

Visibility

good.bee Credit IFN SA plans to promote the event via:

  • its website
  • social media channels (Facebook, LinkedIn, Google +, Twitter)
  • press releases
  • local good.bee Credit branches

Logo Organisation Inpulse

Brussels, Belgium

inpulse

Inpulse, Belgium

Helenos' objective is to improve access to tailored financial services for entrepreneurs, to create jobs and improve their well-being - Francesco Grieco, Communications Manager

Inpulse will organise on the 26th October in Brussels the launching ceremony of Helenos in the framework of the 4th European Microfinance Day. Helenos is the first private equity fund for inclusive finance in Europe. It supports the growth of promising greenfield, small and medium financial institutions targeting micro and social entreprises. 

Inpulse's special event will follow the Brussels-based central event organised for the 4th EMD

Public targeted

Representatives from 

  • Microfinance institutions
  • European Institutions
  • Investors
  • Banks
  • Microfinance Services providers

Approximately 80 people registered for the event.

Visibility

Inpulse plans to promote the event via mailings. 

KEPA – microSTARS

Thessaloniki, Greece

kepa-microstars

KEPA – microSTARS Business Development Services Centers, Greece

  • Country Meeting and Networking Event
  • E = mc2: “Fighting for Social Exclusion and Unemployment in Europe”

Everyone should be able to have access to finance, a critical factor that may lead innovative ideas to business opportunities - Agni Pagouni, KEPA - Communications Manager

KEPA - microSTARS plan to organise on Tuesday 23rd October an afternoon event which will include two sessions:

  • A Round Table Meeting: this will include participants from the European Commission, the European Investment Fund, the Hellenic Ministry of Economy, Cooperative Banks, and other organisations ¡also involved with microfinance services in Greece.
  • An Open Meeting: this will honoured by the presence of speakers from the European Commission, the Hellenic Ministry of Economy, the European Investment Bank and the Microfinance Centre.  

Main objectives tof this special event are:

  • Dissemination of microfinance
  • Clarifying the importance of microcredit as an alternative funding tool for everyone who has the entrepreneurship spirit
  • Dissemination of latest news and updates on microfinance both in our country and abroad
  • Gaining awareness and promote networking

Public targeted

Around -50-70 participants are expected, including

  • Very small and small businesses
  • Start ups
  • Already existing clientele
  • Journalists and mass media
  • Regional and local public stakeholders

According to Agni Pagounis, "Business is for all and this should be the case for finance as well. We want to make microfinance heard and developed in our country, as we have been working hard to promote this alternative funding tool, not only to the public, but to governmental and various other stakeholders, as well".

Visibility

KEPA - microSTARS plans to promote the event via website, social media, direct emails and involving the press (newspapers, radios, as communications sponsors)

They also plan to LiveStreaming of the event, and will promote the event through the local supporter “OKThess” to more than 3.000 recipients.

 

Watch the streaming!: https://www.livemedia.gr/4eumicrofinance 

 

Find out more:

 

Logo Organisation MicroCredit Foundation LIDER

Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina

 

Lider

Lider, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Coinciding with the European Microfinance Day, Lider plans to share a press release through its webiste sharing the main insights announced by the joint EMN-MFC publication “Microfinance in Europe: Survey Report 2016-2017". Likewise, they will publish posts on its Facebook profile. 

Public targeted

General public and potential clients

Visibility

Website and Facebook page. 

Mi-Bospo

Mi-BOSPO, Bosnia and Herzegovina

We are more than glad that we continue to be a part of this campaign, and that we have a continuous chance to build a good reputation about microfinance sector and all the possibilities that we provide for our clients and for all the potential clients – Azra Berilo, PR Manager

Mi-Bospo will organise a communication campaign to celebrate the 4th European microfinance Day, with the purpose of raising awareness about microfinance sector in Europe and Bosnia and Herzegovina as well.

Public targeted

Mi-Bospo will address their clients, potential clients, young people who are planning their future, women entrepreneurs, as well as our employees.

Mi-Bospo would like their audience “to understand that microfinance is the best opportunity for those who are excluded from the traditional banking combined to improve their live”.

Visibility

The promotion of the campaign will be done via the website & social networks, by text messages to MI BOSPO clients, and through direct meetings with their clients.

Mi-Bospo will create some video with their clients and we will request their followers to use the official campaign hashtag #2018EMD sharing our releases.

Logo Organisation MicroBank

Barcelona, Spain

 

Microbank La Caixa

MicroBank La Caixa, Spain

Microcredit is essential for the start of a business: 56% of entrepreneurs financed by MicroBank La Caixa, says they could not have carried out their project without funding

MicroBank La Caixa will display a communication campaign coinciding with the 20th October on its Twitter profile and website, where they will publish a press release highlighting the achievements reached by the institution since its creation.

Public targeted

General public and potential clients.

Visibility

MicroBank will disseminate the information on the 4th EMD throught its Twitter profile and website. 

microStart

Brussels, Belgium

microStart

microStart, Belgium

On occasion of our local action, microfinance staff will sit together to exchange about how to serve at best microentrepreneurs and increase their impact in Brussels - Roxane Lemercier, Partnerships Manager

microStarts plans to organise a microfinance lunch to bring around the table the main actors working in the sector in Brussels. A perfect occasion to get to better know each other in order to increase our impact (exchange about way of working, communication coordination). Lunch will be organised at one of its customer’s place.

Public targeted

Staff from microfinance institutions working in Brussels: microStart expects around 20 persons.

Visibility

microStart will advertise its local action sending invitations to the concerned staff. In addition, they will publish a post and a photo on Facebook.

Logo Organisation Monte Credit

Podgorica, Montenegro

Monte Credit

Monte Credit, Montenegro

Promoting microfinance is promoting self employment, opportunities for the underserved. Microfinance brings investments to the country as there are funds in the EU that are aimed only for microfinance - Svetlana Roganovic, CEO

In order to promote the European Microfinance Day, Monte Credit plans to launch a campaign that will be coordinated between Serbia and Montenegro. Similar, yet, different activities, compliant to the regulatory frameworks and the situation on the market.

  • Starting from 1st October, one Client Story to be posted on Facebook, website, stressing out the impact on clients, entrepreneurial skills, self employment etc
  • Starting from 1st October, the Communication Kit will be put in place.
  • Information to the stakeholders on the European Microfinance Day and that October is the month of the European microfinance
  • On 19th or 22nd Monte Credit will organise a local event for the clients.
  • On 23rd October, MonteCredit, together with other MFIs will organise an official event to announce the organisation of the National network of MFIs. It will be done in the presence of the media and officials from the National Bank, the Ministry of Finance.  

Monte Credit explains: "the action plan will cover all the stakeholders. Given the fact that the EU integration process is very important for the country, the messages will be focused on microfinance as a tool to reduce poverty and support entrepreneurs, self employment and the growth of country’s economy".

According to Svetlana Roganovic, "microfinance is a tool well used in the EU not only to reduce poverty but to instil innovativeness and entrepreneurial spirit in the population".

Public targeted

  • Regulators
  • Media
  • Clients
  • Partners
  • Employees of AgroInvest
  • General Public

Visibility

Monte Credit will promote its campaign through mailings, social media channels and the press. 

Nantik Lum

Nantik Lum, Spain

We must demand more information on microfinance as an alternative to traditional banking, as a tool to achieve financial and social inclusion - Fran Lores, Communications Manager

Nantik Lum plans to organise a communication campaign on social media channels and website. In addition, they will address the national media to publish an article on the microfinance sector mentioning the 4th European Microfinance Day. 

Public targeted

General public, public opinion, potential clients

Visibility

Social media channels (Twitter, Facebook), website, national newspaper (El País).

Logo Organisation OMRO

Târgu-Mureș, Romania

omro

OMRO, Romania

We want to raise awareness about the importance of microfinance as a solution for developing their agri and non-agri businesses, for developing the local communities, for sustaining underserved and financially excluded people in rural and urban areas of Romania - Hermina Man, Project Manager

In order to promote the European Microfinance Day, OMRO intends to increase awareness of microfinance as a solution for financial exclusion among its clients and potential clients, among local communities and in the media, in Romania.

Public targeted

The main public targeted for promoting Microfinance Day are OMRO IFN SA clients and potential clients with agri and non-agri businesses.

Visibility

OMRO will promote the event online (article on the website, on LinkedIn and Facebook pages), within the Branches and in the local media by sending a press release.

OMRO will prepare also clients testimonials which will be shared on company’s social media pages and website.

Opportunity Bank Serbia A.D.

Novi Sad, Serbia

OBS

Opportunity Bank Serbia (OBS), Serbia

We want to raise awareness about importance of microfinance - Mirjana Panin, Director of SPM and Communications

OBS plans to run a online communication campaign. On 8th October, OBS will publish a text on its website with the 4th European Microfinance Day banner, and also publish the information on its Facebook page and LinkedIn profile, using the poster in jpg format.

Public targeted

Social media audience (more than 6,000 followers on Facebook and more than 1,000 on LinkedIn) and website audience.

Visibility

OBS will use as channels its online platforms: website and social media, where they plan to do some boost and sponsored posts to increase the impact and thus the reach of their messages. 

Partner Microcredit Foundation

Tuzla, Bosnia & Herzegovina

partner

Partner, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Partner provides access to microcredit products, both to individuals and to legal entities. We have made a significant contribution to overall economic recovery and state development. This year, we also proudly participate in the European Microfinance Day - Senad Sinanović, Director 

Partner plans to organise a communication campaign on Facebook and website, where they will launch a press release to stress the common message around the 4th European Microfinance Day. 

Public targeted

General public and potential clients

Visibility

Partner will disseminate the information on the 4th EMD on its Facebook profile and website

Logo Organisation Patria Credit

Voluntari, Romania

patria credit

Patria Credit, Romania

We support small agro farmers and small rural businesses with limited access to traditional banking products, offering easy and accessible financial products including loans up to 60.000 lei without guarantees and zero grant fee in order to sustain entrepreneurial efforts of rural clients and to increase their positive impacts in local community - Iliuta Jitaru, Head of Microfinance         

In the context of the European Microfinance Day, Patria Credit will offer agro farmers and small rural businesses loans with zero grant fee, from a standard of 4.25%. The offer will be available between the 18th and 23rd of October, having in mind its vision to sustain entrepreneurial efforts of rural clients with easy and accessible financial products so as to increase their positive impact in local community.

Patria Credit understands customers and has embedded in the financing model flexibility and payment schemes adapted to harvest period. Moreover, Patria Credit finances customers in just a few days from application.

Public targeted

Patria Credit's aim is to offer specialised financial services to small agro farmers and small rural businesses with limited access to traditional banking products due to geographical and social profile limitations. They estimate a total of 50 to 100 beneficiaries of the offer.

Visibility

Patria Credit will promote its special offer dedicated to European Microfinance Day through its branch network with dedicated POS materials such as posters and flyers.

They will have a press release and will also make use of online channels with Facebook sponsored posts and website posts.

Logo Organisation PerMicro

Turin, Italy

PerMicro

Permicro, Italy

We wish to promote the microfinance culture and the importance of microcredit as a tool for the creation of new cross-cultural opportunities to develop a business - Giulia Boioli, Communications Manager

In Torpignattara, a multiethnic and popular district of Rome, stands BAZAR, a Kurdish-Neapolitan tavern financed by PerMicro.

The BAZAR team is made of four young people, two Kurds and two Italians, with various experiences in the catering and cooperation sectors: they believe in cooking as a vehicle of culture and integration. Bazar today offers traditional dishes from the Kurdish and Neapolitan tradition, as well as craft beer directly produced by one of entrepreneurs.

On the occasion of the European Microfinance Day, PerMicro will release on its social networks and website a brief documentary on the story of the birth of BAZAR: how did the four entrepreneurs meet? How does BAZAR look like? What kind of customers does it welcome? The purpose is to raise awareness on the theme of social, financial and cultural integration offered by microfinance.

Public targeted

Public target includes: institutions, partners, customers and prospect customers.

In the month of October PerMicro expects a +30% of the monthly average Social Media interaction.

Visibility

With their local action, PerMicro plans to awaken the public about PerMicro’s activity and mission as well as to sensitise Italian people about the many positive ways of living the migration phenomenon: one of them is to believe in cultural co-existence and invest on its potential.

In order to increase the visibility of their local activity, PerMicro will publish a news on its website and will share a newsletter about the EMD and its significance

In addition, on the whole week 15th-21st October: release and promotion on PerMicro’s Social Media and website of the video-documentary.

Logo Organisation Qredits

Almelo, Netherlands

Qredits

Qredits, Netherlands 

It is hard work making your dreams come true. Qredits provides microcredit & mentoring to help make your dream a reality. Which entrepreneur that you know deserves to be recognised? - Evelyne Oprel, International Relations Manager 

During the month of October Qredits will be featuring the story of one of our entrepreneurs. A story of highs and lows, but also of perseverance thanks to the combination of microcredit and mentoring.

During the campaign Qredits will be asking people to share our post on social media and tag someone they know who has a similar story and went through a lot to make their dream come true and did so through a small loan and mentoring.    

The winner will receive a dinner gift card from a Qredits entrepreneur in their area!

Public targeted

Entrepreneurs – young and old trough Social Media. In addition, Qredits will be tracking how many shares and likes and tags.

Visibility

Qredits plans to promote the event via Social Media, the Intranet and Television screens throughout Qredits (European) offices.

RITMI

Vicenza, Italy

RITMI, Italy

The event is meant as a speech about how Europe is facing challenges and is setting up initiatives to support vulnerable and financial excluded people - Matteo Solivo, Microfinanza Srl Researcher & advisor

The event organised on the occasion of the 4th European Microfinance Day, named The role of microfinance in the inclusion of non-bankable people will be hold on 22 October and will take place in Tricase, Italy. For the event, the Italian Microfinance Network has chosen a marginal territory, de finibus terrae, to show the importance of microfinance on marginal areas.

The event will last 5 hours and 15 minutes (coffee break and light lunch included), from 9.30 to 14.45, and will be split into interventions on 3 main areas.

  • The first one will be spent on the opening of the 4th EMD and the welcome speech (15 mins).
  • The second one will be dedicated to a panel discussion on the impact of microfinance on a marginal area for inclusion: this part will involve several players of the private and public sector and will last 2 hrs and 15 mins.
  • The third one will be focused on the description of concrete experiences of inclusion (6 interventions, 10 mins each).

agenda

Public targeted

  • Public institutions at national, regional and local level
  • Practitioners, operators in the sector of microfinance
  • General public, individuals interested to the subject.

The public targeted shall be a total of 180 - 200 people.

Objectives

The event aims to raise awareness on microfinance as a tool to fight social and financial exclusion. In this edition RITMI, with Fondazione De Grisantis, will organize a round table that will involve different social actors from the area, the province of Lecce and in particular Capo di Leuca, linked to the international, national, regional and provincial reality.

As Matteo Solivo reminds, "the event is meant as a discussion on the impact that microcredit has on the concrete life of excluded people, a speech about how Europe is facing challenges and is setting up initiatives to support vulnerable and financial excluded people".

The overall objective is to draw the attention on how microfinance works in Europe and how Europe supports and helps the vulnerable population and those excluded from the traditional financial sector, especially in marginal territories. Another key point shall be explaining the coordinated work between EMN and the Italian Microfinance Network.

Visibility

The event will be promoted through emails, websites of the institutions involved, social medias and a press release.

unicredit

UniCredit, Italy

We expect to transmit with our local action how much a micro-entrepreneur can benefit from our microcredit service model (Social Partner + UC Network + Volunteer) - Paul Steven Anthony Crabtree, Microfinance Head 

UniCredit Spa plans to organise on 19th of October the first national convention of the volunteer association (named UniGens) promoted by UniCredit Spa and made up of current and former UniCredit Group employees.

The event will take place in Milan with the participation of its CEO.

A dedicated slot in the convention’s agenda will be dedicated to share the importance of the professional support provided by the volunteers to the financed microentrepreneurs in the start-up phase of their business venture (i.e., 18-24 months).

UniCredit will also involve some of its Social partners who will share their experience in supporting micro-entrepreneurs in developing their business idea.

Public targeted

  • UniGens associates
  • UniCredit selected colleagues
  • External guests:
    • Social Partners (e.g. Foundations, Trade associations)
    • Schools representative

Approximately 800 people invited (600 live + 200 via call conference).

Visibility

UniCredit plans to promote the event via:

  • Internal Communication via Group Intranet
  • External communication via UniGens website
  • Press release describing the event and the foreseen developments of the association

The EMD on the European media

Banks • • Greece

4th European Microfinance Day

Για 4η συνεχή χρονιά, το European Microfinance Network (EMN) και το Microfinance Centre (MFC) σε συνεργασία με τα μέλη τους, προγραμματίζουν την επόμενη Ευρωπαϊκή Ημέρα Μικροχρηματοδοτήσεων, απευθυνόμενοι σε όλους τους Ευρωπαίους πολίτες, τους τοπικούς επιχειρηματίες και καταναλωτές, τους πολιτικό-οικονομικούς παράγοντες της εκάστοτε κοινωνίας, τους διαμορφωτές της κοινής γνώμης και σε όσους ενδιαφέρονται να ανοίξουν νέους ορίζοντες.

Radio Thessaloniki • • Greece

Συνέντευξη Παρασκευά Βασιλική

News and talk with Greek pop and rock music; located from Neo Rysio.

Praktoreio FM • • Greece

Συνέντευξη Στάμκου Νεοκλή

Athens-Macedonian News Agency and Thessaloniki International Fair radio station

Naftemporiki • • Greece

4th European Microfinance Day

Η εν λόγω πρωτοβουλία εστιάζει στην ευαισθητοποίηση του κοινού σχετικά με τις Μικροπιστώσεις, ως εργαλεία τα οποία δύνανται να χρησιμοποιηθούν για την αντιμετώπιση της ανεργίας και του κοινωνικού αποκλεισμού.

Agronews • • Greece

Ευρωπαϊκή Ημέρα Μικροχρηματοδοτήσεων στις 23 Οκτωβρίου

Σκοπός της φετινής εκδήλωσης  είναι η ενημέρωση σχετικά με την έννοια των μικροπιστώσεων στην Ελλάδα, εν αναμονή των αλλαγών του θεσμικού πλαισίου στη χώρα μας για τις μικροχρηματοδοτήσεις.

Curierul National • • Romania

OMRO IFN SA celebrates the European Microfinance Day

OMRO susține microfinanțarea și se alătură inițiativei europene lansată de European Microfinance Network (EMN) și Microfinance Centre (MFC) și sărbătorește în 20 octombrie, Ziua Microfinanțării, alături de clienții săi. 

Zougla • • Greece

The demand for micro-loans in Europe is rising

Την αυξανόμενη ζήτηση για μικροδάνεια στην Ευρώπη επιβεβαιώνει έκθεση του Ευρωπαϊκού Δικτύου Μικροχρηματοδοτήσεων (EMN) και του Κέντρου Μικροχρηματοδοτήσεων (MFC) για το 2017-2018, τα αποτελέσματα της οποίας θα παρουσιαστούν αναλυτικά στη διάρκεια εκδήλωσης με θέμα «E=mc2 – Fighting for Social Exclusion and Unemployment in Europe», στις 23 Οκτωβρίου, στη Θεσσαλονίκη. 

Opinia Transilvana • • Romania

OMRO IFN S.A. sărbătorește Ziua Europeană a Microfinanțării

În fiecare an, ziua europeană a microfinanțării își propune să atragă atenția întreprinzătorilor cu privire la existența pe piață a microfinanțării, impactului acesteia în combaterea șomajului și excluziunii sociale, să asigure un cadru care să faciliteze schimbul de experiență în domeniul microfinanțării din Europa și să susțină activitatea instituțiilor financiare din domeniu.

Big Business •

Αυξάνεται η ζήτηση για μικροδάνεια στην Ευρώπη

Την αυξανόμενη ζήτηση για μικροδάνεια στην Ευρώπη επιβεβαιώνει έκθεση του Ευρωπαϊκού Δικτύου Μικροχρηματοδοτήσεων (EMN) και του Κέντρου Μικροχρηματοδοτήσεων (MFC) για το 2017-2018, τα αποτελέσματα της οποίας θα παρουσιαστούν αναλυτικά στη διάρκεια εκδήλωσης με θέμα "E=mc2 - Fighting for Social Exclusion and Unemployment in Europe", στις 23 Οκτωβρίου, στη Θεσσαλονίκη.

PR wave • • Romania

OMRO IFN S.A. sărbătorește Ziua Europeană a Microfinanțării

Anul acesta, ziua de 20 octombrie nu va avea un slogan ci va avea la bază faimoasa ecuație E=mc2. Toată lumea este familiarizată cu această formulă dezvoltată de Albert Einstein, al cărui nume ne duce mereu cu gândul la creativitate, inspirație, imaginație.

Mesagerul de Sibiu • • Romania

Ziua Europeană a Microfinanțării, sărbătorită în România de good.bee Credit (P)

good.bee Credit IFN S.A. membră a grupului ERSTE, celebrează Ziua Microfinanțării oferind persoanelor interesate de finanțare credite flexibile, fără avans, fără garanţii și ușor de accesat pentru investiții, capital de lucru și mixt, atât pentru producătorii agricoli, cât și micii antreprenorii din zonele rurale și urbane.

KA Business • • Greece

4η Ευρωπαϊκή Ημέρα Μικροχρηματοδοτήσεων

Τα Κέντρα Υπηρεσιών Επιχειρηματικής Ανάπτυξης microSTARS και το ΚΕΠΑ, συμμετέχουν ενεργά και στη φετινή καμπάνια, με την διεξαγωγή εκδήλωσης στην Ελλάδα με θέμα "Ε = mc2 - Fighting for Social Exclusion and Unemployment in Europe".

Voria • • Greece

ΘΕΣΣΑΛΟΝΙΚΗ: ΕΚΔΗΛΩΣΗ ΚΕΠΑ ΚΑΙ MICROSTARS ΓΙΑ ΤΙΣ ΜΙΚΡΟΠΙΣΤΩΣΕΙΣ

Σκοπός της φετινής εκδήλωσης είναι η ευαισθητοποίηση και ενημέρωση του κοινού για την έννοια και τον θεσμό των μικροπιστώσεων στην Ελλάδα.

Ziare • • Romania

OMRO IFN S.A. sărbătorește Ziua Europeană a Microfinanțării

”Ne bucurăm să ne alăturăm inițiativei EMN și MFC în acest an și să sărbătorim Ziua Europeană a Microfinanțării. Ne dorim să fim aproape de micii întreprinzători, să le oferim soluțiile financiare de care au nevoie, să sprijinim afacerile, să contribuim la transformarea vieții lor, a familiilor lor și a comunităților în care trăiesc.” a declarat János Bereczki, Director General OMRO IFN S.A.

Zougla • • Greece

The demand for micro-loans in Europe is rising

Την αυξανόμενη ζήτηση για μικροδάνεια στην Ευρώπη επιβεβαιώνει έκθεση του Ευρωπαϊκού Δικτύου Μικροχρηματοδοτήσεων (EMN) και του Κέντρου Μικροχρηματοδοτήσεων (MFC) για το 2017-2018, τα αποτελέσματα της οποίας θα παρουσιαστούν αναλυτικά στη διάρκεια εκδήλωσης με θέμα «E=mc2 – Fighting for Social Exclusion and Unemployment in Europe», στις 23 Οκτωβρίου, στη Θεσσαλονίκη. 

Politicamente corretto • • Italy

Giornata europea della microfinanza Fondi innovativi per sostenere imprenditorialità e occupazione

Il 20 ottobre si celebra la giornata europea della microfinanza, un'iniziativa del Microfinance Centre (MFC) e di European Microfinance Network (EMN) di cui fa parte anche Banca Etica.

El País • • Spain

Microfinanzas que cambian vidas

El pasado 20 de octubre se celebró el 4º Día Europeo de las Microfinanzas, una fecha para reivindicar más información sobre las microfinanzas como alternativa a la banca tradicional, especialmente para aquellas personas que buscan mejorar sus condiciones de vida con la creación de un pequeño negocio. 

Radio del Capo •

Giornata Europea per la microfinza

Presso la sala del trono di Palazzo Gallone a Tricase (Le), come unica tappa italiana, si celebrerà la "Giornata Europea per la microfinanza", che mira a sensibilizzare sulla microfinanza per combattere l'esclusione sociale e finanziaria, di cui un territorio deve sentirsi responsabile. Conduce la serata Don Lucio Ciardo.

Naftemporiki • • Greece

Τι θα προβλέπει το νομοσχέδιο για μικροπιστώσεις

Στο αμέσως προσεχές διάστημα θα τεθεί σε δημόσια διαβούλευση το σχέδιο νόμου για θεσμικό πλαίσιο περί μικροπιστώσεων στην Ελλάδα, με στόχο να έχει ψηφιστεί μέχρι το τέλος του έτους από την ελληνική Βουλή.

Crai nou • • Romania

Ziua Europeană a Microfinanțării, sărbătorită în România de good.bee Credit

Începând cu 2015, la inițiativa comună a European Microfinance Network și Microfinance Center, microfinanțarea sărbătorește, în fiecare 20 octombrie, propria Zi Europeană.

Scopul Zilei Microfinanțării Europene (ZME) este de a crește conștientizarea asupra uneltei de mare putere pe care o reprezintă aceasta în lupta împotriva excluderii sociale și a șomajului.

Săptămâna în Oltenia • • Romania

Ziua Europeană a Microfinanţării, sărbătorită în România de good.bee Credit

good.bee Credit este o instituţie activă în microfinanţarea din România şi un membru implicat atât a European Microfinance Network cât şi al Microfinance Center.

Makthes • • Greece

Θεσσαλονίκη: Στην τελική ευθεία η δημιουργία του Ταμείου Μικροπιστώσεων

Στην τελική ευθεία βρίσκεται η νομοθέτηση του θεσμικού πλαισίου για τις Μικροπιστώσεις στην Ελλάδα, που θα σηματοδοτήσει και τη λειτουργία του Ταμείου Μικροπιστώσεων στη χώρα μας, που έχει προαναγγείλει η κυβέρνηση.

Daily Thess • • Greece

The draft of the law on microcredit is expected to be finished by the end of 2018

Μέχρι το τέλος του 2018 είναι στόχος να ψηφιστεί από την ελληνική Βουλή το σχέδιο νόμου για το νομικό και θεσμικό πλαίσιο των μικροχρηματοδοτήσεων στην Ελλάδα, ανοίγοντας τον δρόμο για τη δημιουργία Ταμείου Μικροπιστώσεων και τη λειτουργία νέου μηχανισμού δανειοδότησης, που θα προσφέρει κεφάλαια ύψους έως 25.000 ευρώ σε μικρές επιχειρήσεις, αλλά και σε άτομα συνήθως αποκλεισμένα από την “κλασική” τραπεζική χρηματοδότηση, όπως οι άνεργοι και άλλες μειονεκτούσες ομάδες.

Monitorul de Oltenia •

Ziua Europeană a Microfinanțării, sărbătorită în România de good.bee Credit

„good.bee Credit este instituția specializată care îi sprijină să-și desfășoare și să-și extindă activitățile profitabile, oferindu-le acces la micro-împrumuturi”, a explicat dl. Oleg Moraru, director operațiuni al good.bee Credit IFN SA.

Monitorul CJ • • Romania

Ziua Europeană a Microfinanțării, sărbătorită în România de good.bee Credit

Cea de-a patra ediție a ZME este sărbătorită de aproximativ 20 de membri ai ambelor rețele (din 11 țări europene) care sunt implicați în mai mult de 25 acțiuni pe parcursul lunii octombrie. Scopul lor este acela de a sensibiliza publicul larg, factorii decizionali politici și a mass-mediei asupra impactului pe care instituțiile de microfinanțare le au asupra incluziunii financiare și sociale a cetățenilor europeni.

European Commission - Daily News • • Belgium

Plan Juncker : un nouveau centre commercial à Séville et un nouveau fonds pour soutenir les institutions de microfinance

(...) à l'occasion de la quatrième journée européenne de la microfinance et en présence du Vice-Président Jyrki Katainen, responsable de l'emploi, de la croissance, de l'investissement et de la compétitivité, le Fonds européen d'investissement (FEI) et le fonds Helenos...

ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ • • Greece

The demand for micro-loans in Europe is rising

Σκοπός της φετινής εκδήλωσης είναι η ευαισθητοποίηση και ενημέρωση του κοινού για την έννοια και τον θεσμό των μικροπιστώσεων στην Ελλάδα, εν αναμονή των αλλαγών του θεσμικού πλαισίου στη χώρα μας για τις μικροχρηματοδοτήσεις.

Impact Est • • Romania

Ziua Europeană a Microfinanţării, sărbătorită în România de good.bee Credit

Începând cu 2015, la iniţiativa comună a European Microfinance Network şi Microfinance Center, microfinanţarea sărbătoreşte, în fiecare 20 octombrie, propria Zi Europeană. Scopul Zilei Microfinanţării Europene (ZME) este de a creşte conştientizarea asupra uneltei de mare putere pe care o reprezintă aceasta în lupta împotriva excluderii sociale şi a şomajului.

Ekonometar • • Serbia

Microfinance is important for the development of the economy

Европски Дан микрофинансирања свечано је обележен у Бриселу 26. октобра, у организацији Европске микрофинансијске мреже и Центра за микрофинансирање. Тим поводом одржани су панели на којима је закључено да микрофинансирање остварује изванредан ефекат на кориснике микрокредита, али и на друштво у целини.

Lepa Reč • • Serbia

European Microfinance Day

20.oktobra je 4.godinu za redom obeleležen EMD – Evropski dan mikrofinansiranja u većini evropskih zemalja. Cilj je inicijalno bio podizanje svesti u javnosti o značaju mikrofinansiranja kao načina za finansiranje i podršku mikro i malih preduzeća, samim tim i rast zaposlenosti putem preduzetništva. 

Start Up • • Greece

«Το θεσμικό πλαίσιο για τις μικροπιστώσεις στο επίκεντρο της εκδήλωσης του ΚΕΠΑ και των Κέντρων microSTARS, που διεξήχθη την Τρίτη 23 Οκτωβρίου 2018 στο OK!Thess»

Ιδιαίτερη αίσθηση προκάλεσε η εκδήλωση που διοργάνωσε το ΚΕΠΑ μέσω των τα Κέντρων Υπηρεσιών Επιχειρηματικής Ανάπτυξης microSTARS, στο πλαίσιο της Ευρωπαϊκής Ημέρας Μικροπιστώσεων την Τρίτη 23 Οκτωβρίου 2018, στο Οικοσύστημα Καινοτομίας Θεσσαλονίκης OK!Thess.

With the support of With financial support from

4th European Microfinance Day

The sector calls for innovative funding sources to keep supporting

entrepreneurship and employment

• European microfinance consolidates its capacity to support financial inclusion through the provision of financial and non-financial services

• The sector reached an outstanding gross microloan portfolio of €3.2 billion in 2017, serving almost one million active borrowers

Brussels/Warsaw, 19th October – On the 20th October, the European microfinance sector will celebrate the 4th European Microfinance Day, an initiative co-organised by the European Microfinance Network (EMN) and the Microfinance Centre (MFC). About 20 members from both networks and from 11 European countries1 are involved in more than 25 local actions over the month of October, including round tables, open meetings, high-level events, special discounts on loans, national conventions, seminars and strong communication campaigns. All these activities are carried out to raise awareness among the general public, policy makers and the media about the impact that MFIs have on the financial and social inclusion of European citizens. To stress the message, the 4th European Microfinance Day has been launched with the slogan E=mc2. In our context, the very well-known formula created by Albert Einstein has a different meaning: E for Entrepreneurship, Empowerment, Employment, which all come as a result of the power of MicroCredit squared. In other words, as several impact studies from MFIs2 have demonstrated, access to microcredit, a financial service, for those who are excluded from traditional banking, combined with non-financial services, such as mentoring, counselling, BDS, training have an exponential effect on the beneficiaries’ situation and the society.

Almost half a million clients reached through non-financial services in 2017 According to the joint EMN-MFC publication “Microfinance in Europe: Survey Report 2016-2017”3, 68% of MFIs offer non-financial services to complement their financial products. In 2017, 443,825 clients were reached through non-financial support, more than half of whom were not actually active borrowers. In terms of social performance, the majority of MFIs support financial inclusion (60%) as a primary mission, followed by job creation (14%) and growth of existing businesses (10%). Women are the most targeted client group by the respondents followed by rural populations, the unemployed/welfare recipients and young people. In 2017, the total number of microloans disbursed for the sample was 660,330 (+5% compared to 2016) with a total value of €2.1 billion (+16%). Overall, the total number of active borrowers served by MFIs was 988,457 (+8% compared to 2016) with a gross microloan portfolio outstanding of €3.2 billion (+6%).

1 Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, France, Greece, Italy, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Netherlands, Romania, Serbia. 2 See http://bit.ly/MFIs-impact-studies 3 The eighth edition of the Report on microfinance in Europe provides an overview for the period 2016-2017, based on data collected by EMN and MFC from of 156 MFIs across 28 European countries. Available on the EMN and MFC websites as of December 2018.

With the support of With financial support from

The survey aims to provide a reliable picture of the different microfinance activities of various organisations in the sector and to compare a diverse range of social and financial performance indicators of European MFIs. In this sense, the previous EMN-MFC surveys show that microfinance has developed strongly within the EU in recent years in response to growing demand.

Innovative funding sources for the future development of the sector This also explains why, in this edition of the European Microfinance Day, both networks want to highlight that the support of innovative funding sources is fundamental for the further positive development of the sector and for creating new opportunities for entrepreneurship and employment: thus, for empowerment. “The European microfinance sector has developed into an important channel for entrepreneurs and individuals to be financially independent and socially included. This has resulted in more jobs and lower welfare benefits and that is good news for the individual, the government and the local economy. That is why microfinance organisations deserve strong support from local and European governments!”, says Elwin Groenevelt, EMN President. Cristian Jurma, Director of the MFC Board, adds that “microfinance in Europe is gradually being consolidated as an essential tool of social policy for the promotion of self-employment, microenterprise support and the fight against social and financial exclusion. Going beyond the figures, there are in fact men and women who are willing to take control of their futures with the help of microfinance institutions”.

For more information:

• Press Contact: Raquel Sánchez Bujaldón, EMN Communications Officer r.bujaldon@european-

microfinance.org

• EMN website 4th European Microfinance Day

With the support of With financial support from

About the European Microfinance Day

The European Microfinance Day initiative was launched in 2015 as a tool to highlight the impact of the microfinance sector in Europe from a social and an economic perspective. The main objectives of the European Microfinance Day are:

• To raise awareness among European citizens on the existence of microfinance and on its value to fight unemployment and social exclusion.

• To draw the attention of European media on how microfinance works in Europe and how it supports and helps the unemployed and European citizens excluded from the traditional financial sector.

• To exchange experiences within the European microfinance sector by giving visibility to the work of EMN & MFC members.

• To allow local members to draw the spotlight on their achievements and their missions at local level

About EMN About MFC

The European Microfinance Network’s (EMN)

mission is to build up universal and open access

to appropriate financial and complementary

support services suited to society’s needs at

affordable prices allowing people to deploy their

talents in order to create wealth and value while

having a positive social impact. EMN is

empowering its members to become

acknowledged actors and partners in the financial

sector that reach out to a large number of

enterprising people who, in turn, create jobs and

contribute to sustainable growth. EMN primarily

focusses its activities in the European Union and

EFTA/EEA member states.

European Microfinance Network (EMN)

Rue de l’Industrie 10 1000 Brussels (Belgium) Tel: +32 (0)2/893 24 48

emn@european-microfinance.org www.european-microfinance.org

The Microfinance Centre’s (MFC) mission is to

contribute to poverty reduction and the

development of human potential by promoting a

socially-oriented and sustainable microfinance

sector that provides adequate financial and non-

financial services to a large number of poor

families and micro-entrepreneurs. MFC primarily

focusses its activities in Central and Eastern

Europe and in the Commonwealth of Independent

States.

Microfinance Centre (MFC)

ul.Noakowskiego 10/38 00-666 Warsaw (Poland)

Tel: +48 22 622 34 65 microfinance@mfc.org.pl

www.mfc.org.pl

4th European Microfinance Day Brussels Closing Event

Juncker Plan: new EUR 25 million fund benefits from first capacity building agreement in Europe to support microfinance providers

Brussels, 26.10.2018 - Today, the European Microfinance Network and the Microfinance

Centre have closed in Brussels the 4th European Microfinance Day, an initiative launched in 2015

to highlight the impact of the microfinance sector in Europe from a social and an economic

perspective. This 4th edition has underlined the importance of the support from innovative

funding sources for the further positive development of the sector, which in 2017 reached an

outstanding gross microloan portfolio of €3.2 billion and served 988,457 active borrowers1.

EMN President, Elwin Groenevelt, said: “The European microfinance sector has developed

into an important channel for entrepreneurs and individuals to be financially independent and

socially included. This has resulted in more jobs and lower welfare benefits and that is good

news for the individual, the government and the local economy”. And added: “That is why

microfinance organisations deserve strong support from local and European governments!”.

The Director of the MFC Board Christian Jurma, said “Microfinance in Europe is gradually

being consolidated as an essential tool of social policy for the promotion of self-employment,

microenterprise support and the fight against social and financial exclusion. Going beyond the

figures, there are in fact men and women who are willing to take control of their futures with

the help of microfinance institutions”.

During the event, the European Investment Fund (EIF) and the Helenos Fund have signed the

first capacity building agreement in Europe under the EU Programme for Employment and Social

Innovation (EaSI) to support microfinance providers across Europe. This new agreement was

made possible by the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), the heart of the Investment Plan for Europe.

This first ever EaSI capacity building agreement allows to launch Helenos with a targeted

investment capacity of EUR 25 million for equity and quasi-equity investments to around 25

microfinance institutions (MFIs) and social finance providers across Europe over the next 5 years.

Helenos targets greenfield, early stage and developing microfinance institutions as well as

1 Microfinance in Europe: Survey Report 2016-2017, EMN-MFC, 2018

financial institutions primarily seeking social enterprises. Those financial intermediaries will be

able to benefit from expansion capital to support organisational and operational development

under the EU supported programme. Originally sponsored by the French Crédit Coopératif and

Adie International, the Fund has received beside EIF commitment, the support of prominent

European responsible private investors: Crédit Coopératif (France), BNP Paribas, BRED, Mirova,

Soficatra among others.

European Commission Vice-President for Jobs, Growth, Investment and Competitiveness Jyrki

Katainen said: "The Investment Plan is delivering on our common objectives of jobs and growth

while promoting social fairness, equal opportunities and access to the labour market. We need

a solid European microfinance landscape to promote entrepreneurship and social and financial

inclusion. Today's agreement brings us one step closer and is great news for microfinance

institutions and social finance providers across Europe."

EIF Chief Executive, Pier Luigi Gilibert, said: “The EIF is delighted to play a pivotal role in the launch of Helenos, one of the first dedicated equity providers in the European microfinance

landscape. Capacity building, which blends economic and social returns, is fundamental for

finance providers to be able to deliver sustainable support for micro-borrowers.”

Inpulse Investment Manager CEO, Bruno Dunkel, said: “Helenos is a major step for

boosting inclusive finance in Europe and Inpulse as investment manager, will demonstrate how

to increase outreach and impact in both microfinance and social enterprises sectors. We will

operate with the same competence and passion we have dedicated to manage CoopEst and

CoopMed funds over the last 12 years”.

EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle said: “Microfinance providers play a crucial role in

supporting the most vulnerable people in the labour market. Today's announcement shows

again that the European Investment Bank is committed to supporting micro-entrepreneurs who

bring new opportunities and foster job creation in local economies. Obtaining finance is still a

challenge in Europe for micro-entrepreneurs and this agreement will help microfinance

institutions to further support borrowers with an entrepreneurial spirit.”

The EaSI Guarantee scheme was launched in June 2015 and is funded by the European

Commission and managed by the European Investment Fund. Microfinance institutions wishing

to apply for capacity building support under EaSI, can contact Helenos directly.

EIF will not provide direct financial support to enterprises but will implement the facility through

local financial intermediaries, such as microfinance, social finance and guarantee institutions, as

well as banks active across the EU-28 and additional countries that are participating in the EaSI

programme. These intermediaries will deal with interested parties directly to provide support

under the EaSI Guarantee.

Ends

About the European Microfinance Day (EMD)

Launched in 2015 as a tool to highlight the impact of the microfinance sector in Europe from a

social and an economic perspective, the main objectives of the EMD are:

• To raise awareness among European citizens on the existence of microfinance and on its

value to fight unemployment and social exclusion.

• To draw the attention of European media on how microfinance supports the unemployed

and European citizens excluded from the traditional financial sector.

• To exchange experiences within the European microfinance sector by giving visibility to

the work of EMN & MFC members.

• To allow members to draw the spotlight on their achievements and missions at local level

About European microfinance sector

The 8th edition of the joint EMN-MFC publication “Microfinance in Europe: Survey Report 2016-

2017” provides an overview of the sector based on data collected by EMN and MFC from of 156

MFIs across 28 European countries. Some key figures:

• In 2017, the total number of microloans disbursed for the sample was 660,330 (+5%

compared to 2016) with a total value of €2.1 billion (+16%).

• The total number of active borrowers served by MFIs was 988,457 (+8% compared to

2016) with a gross microloan portfolio outstanding of €3.2 billion (+6%).

• 68% of MFIs offer non-financial services to complement their financial products.

• In 2017, 443,825 clients were reached through non-financial support, more than half of

whom were not actually active borrowers.

• In terms of social performance, the majority of MFIs support financial inclusion (60%) as

a primary mission, followed by job creation (14%).

• The majority of MFIs support solo-entrepreneurs/self-employed and microenterprises

younger than five years-old.

• Women are the most targeted client group by MFIs, followed by rural populations, the

unemployed/welfare recipients and young people.

About the European Microfinance Network (EMN)

The European Microfinance Network’s mission is to build up universal and open access to

appropriate financial and complementary support services suited to society’s needs at affordable

prices allowing people to deploy their talents in order to create wealth and value while having a

positive social impact. EMN is empowering its members to become acknowledged actors and

partners in the financial sector that reach out to a large number of enterprising people who, in

turn, create jobs and contribute to sustainable growth. EMN primarily focusses its activities in

the European Union and EFTA/EEA member states.

About the Microfinance Centre (MFC)

The Microfinance Centre’s mission is to contribute to poverty reduction and the development of

human potential by promoting a socially-oriented and sustainable microfinance sector that

provides adequate financial and non-financial services to a large number of poor families and

micro-entrepreneurs. MFC primarily focusses its activities in Central and Eastern Europe and in

the Commonwealth of Independent States.

About the Programme for Employment and Social Innovation

The European Commission's Programme for Employment and Social Innovation ("EaSI") aims at

supporting the EU's objective of high level employment, adequate social protection, fighting

against social exclusion and poverty and improving working conditions, in line with the European

Pillar of Social Rights. The microfinance and social entrepreneurship axis of the EaSI programme

provides support to financial intermediaries that offer microloans to entrepreneurs or finance to

social enterprises. The objective is to increase access to microfinance, which includes microcredit

i.e. loans of up to EUR 25,000, in particular for vulnerable persons and micro-enterprises. In

addition, for the first time, the European Commission is supporting social enterprises through

investments of up to EUR 500,000. The microfinance and social entrepreneurship support is

currently being implemented through the EaSI Guarantee, which enables financial intermediaries

to reach out to (potential) entrepreneurs that would not have been able to gain finance otherwise

due to risk considerations. It is also being implemented through the ‘EaSI Capacity Building

Investments Window’ to reinforce the capacity of financial intermediaries in the areas of

microfinance and social finance through equity investments mostly. The European Commission has selected EIF to implement the EaSI Guarantee and the EaSI Capacity Building Investments

Window.

Furthermore, the Commission is reinforcing the social dimension of the EFSI for both

microfinance and social entrepreneurship. Overall, the total amount of support to these areas is

expected to increase (from EUR 193 million under the EaSI programme) to about EUR 1 billion,

mobilising some EUR 3 billion in additional investment.

About the European Investment Fund

The European Investment Fund (EIF) is part of the European Investment Bank group. Its central

mission is to support Europe's micro, small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) by helping

them to access finance. EIF designs and develops venture and growth capital, guarantees and

microfinance instruments which specifically target this market segment. In this role, EIF fosters

EU objectives in support of innovation, research and development, entrepreneurship, growth,

and employment.

For further information on EU microfinance and social entrepreneurship support please refer to:

Easi Programme

EU support to social entrepreneurship

About the Investment Plan for Europe

The Investment Plan for Europe, the Juncker Plan, is one of the EU´s top priorities to boost

investments and to create jobs and growth by removing obstacles to investment, providing

visibility and technical assistance to investment projects, and making smarter use of existing

and new financial resources. With guarantees from the European Fund for Strategic Investments

(EFSI), the EIB and EIF are able to take on a higher share of project risk, encouraging private

investors to participate in the projects. As of October 2018, the Juncker Plan is set to trigger

more than EUR 344 billion in investment across the EU.

About Helenos

Helenos is the first private equity fund for inclusive finance in Europe. Helenos support the

growth of promising greenfield, small and medium financial institutions targeting micro and

social enterprises. The main objective is to improve access to tailored financial services for

entrepreneurs, to create jobs and improve their well-being. Helenos has an initial investment

capacity of EUR 10.5 M and will expand to EUR 25 M by end 2019. At present Helenos is

funded by: EIF, Crédit Coopératif, Mirova, BNP Paribas, Prometheus, BRED, France Active and

Soficatra.

About Inpulse

Helenos is managed by Inpulse, a Brussels-based investment manager with special know-how

on social investments and microfinance. Inpulse has a core expertise in cooperative equity

financing, strong skills in managing alternative investment funds providing long-term financing

to socially driven financial intermediaries. Through a team based in three countries (Belgium,

Poland and France), Inpulse currently advise two other active MIVs (CoopEst and CoopMed) for

a total aggregate investment capacity of EUR 70 M.About the Investment Plan for Europe

The Investment Plan for Europe, the Juncker Plan, is one of the EU´s top priorities to boost

investments and to create jobs and growth by removing obstacles to investment, providing

visibility and technical assistance to investment projects, and making smarter use of existing

and new financial resources. With guarantees from the European Fund for Strategic Investments

(EFSI), the EIB and EIF are able to take on a higher share of project risk, encouraging private

investors to participate in the projects. As of October 2018, the Juncker Plan is set to trigger

more than EUR 344 billion in investment across the EU.

About Crédit Coopératif

Bank of the social and solidarity economy, of the companies of the real economy and of the

citizens sharing the same humanist vision of the world, Crédit Coopératif commits itself alongside

its customers-members to build an economy that is fairer, more local, more environment-

friendly, more human. Pioneer and land-clearer of new borders, Crédit Coopératif stands and

innovates for a finance always more responsible, giving its clients the power to act individually

and collectively.

About BNP Paribas

BNP Paribas is a leading bank in Europe with an international reach. It has a presence in 73

countries, with more than 196,000 employees, including around 149,000 in Europe. The Group

has key positions in its three main activities: Domestic Markets, International Financial Services

(whose retail-banking networks and financial services are covered by Retail Banking & Services)

and Corporate & Institutional Banking, which serves two client franchises: corporate clients and

institutional investors. Engaged since 30 years financing microfinance institutions, BNP Paribas

develops also since 2013 à dedicated strategy supporting Social Entreprises and impact

investing. Through a global commitment of more than €1.2 billion, BNP Paribas tries to put all

possible means dedicated to these companies who have a strong social or environmental impact.

About MIROVA:

Mirova is an investment manager dedicated to sustainable investment and an affiliate of Natixis

Investment Managers. Through a conviction-driven investment approach, Mirova’s goal is to

combine value creation over the long term with sustainable development. Mirova’s talents have

been pioneers in many areas of sustainable finance. Their ambition is to keep innovating to

propose the best tailored and most impactful solutions to their clients.

For the other investors in the Helenos Fund, please refer to the following links:

BRED, Prometheus, France Active, Soficatra

Press contact:

• EIF: David Yormesor, +352 42 66 88 346, e-mail: d.yormesor@eif.org • EMN: Raquel Sánchez Bujaldón +32 2 893 24 45, r.bujaldon@european-microfinance.org

• Helenos: Francesco Grieco, +32 2 773 27 22, e-mail: francesco.grieco@inpulse.coop

• EU Commission: Sophie Dupin de Saint-Cyr, +32 2 29 59169

Browse & learn more about

European Microfinance Day

The European Microfinance Day initiative was launched in 2015 as a tool to highlight the impact of the microfinance sector in Europe from a social and an economic perspective.
Or discover what else we do

See also