EaSI TA = This session is organised within the EaSI Technical Assistance programme of the European Union. For further information: http://ec.europa.eu/social/easi
| Tuesday 13 October | Wednesday 14 October | Thursday 15 October | |
| 10:00 - 11:00 (CEST) |
09:30 (CEST) Keynote address EU response to COVID-19 context and the future of the EaSI programme under MFF 2021-2027 Description Microfinance practitioners will share two examples of resilient measures implemented to face the effects of COVID-19. Speakers Moderator |
Social mission vs. sustainability The Covid-19 pandemic has forced almost the entire workforce of knowledge workers into an immediate remote working experiment; the likes of which even the most visionary of managers did not intend. After an initial moment of panic, we are now in the second wave with a long transition still to come, and it is a no brainer that a new way of working is being built. Only the audacious will be able to survive and thrive. What does it mean to be a resilient company and what are they doing at times like these? That is the question the microfinance sector is facing, while also questioning a possible trade-off between its financial safety vs. its social goals. But... primum vivere deinde philosofari ? Speaker Moderator |
Contracts and signature digitalisation Description How do you choose a trusted service provider? What are the steps to follow in implementing digital solutions Thanks to a mixture of service provider technical expertise and MFI experiences, this session will explore the possible digital strategies to mitigate the risks caused by the current crisis. Speakers Moderator |
| 11:30 - 12:30 (CEST) |
Deepening the data on microfinance: the ATLAS project In order to develop a more mature and robust microfinance sector, it is important to improve the visibility of the sector, the transparency of its actors, and to develop repositories of information that stakeholders can use to guide decision-making and investment. Building on the original visions of EaSI-MicPro and MixMarket, the recent development of the ATLAS platform is a step in the right direction, promising the most granular data available on the European microfinance sector and with the support of the EMN-MFC Overview Survey. Speaker Moderator |
Widening our network to cope with the challenges ahead The world, deeply affected by the pandemic, is moving towards an uncertain future with many unanswered questions. One thing is clear however, it is increasingly fundamental not to be alone but to build and strengthen networks and networking to reinforce professional alliances. We have to have the courage to come out into the open, to innovate how we network, and to understand how to foster the right alliances that allow us to overcome our weaknesses and enhance our skills. In this session we will get insight from those who are already or who could become natural partners of MFIs, for a new and more resilient ecosystem. Speakers Moderator |
Update on the European Code of Good Conduct for Microcredit Provision: What next? The reforms of the European Code of Good Conduct for Microcredit Provision were published in June 2020 and will enter into force in January 2021. This web session will provide an overview on the status of the Code implementation by Microcredit Providers (MCPs) in Europe and will refer to the results of the consultation with key stakeholders in 2019. The most relevant changes from different perspectives (Code Evaluator and MCPs) and the next steps for MCPs that would like to comply with the updated Code will be presented. Speakers Moderator |
| 14:00 - 15:00 (CEST) |
Enhancing the financial health of micro-entrepreneurs The outbreak of Covid-19 has had a multitude of negative effects on existing businesses and people aspiring to become self-employed. However, new opportunities may also emerge that call for a new mindset. During this session, participants will be able to familiarise themselves with a comprehensive method and toolbox to assist micro-entrepreneurs to work towards their financial health and financial well-being. We will also explore ways in which to assist them in coping with financial problems in times of crises. Debaters Moderator |
Delinquency Management and Collection Techniques As the numerous COVID relief measures being provided to micro businesses and entrepreneurs across Europe are now gradually being phased out, it is reasonable to expect that clients will face new challenges in the times ahead. This webinar aims to provide a starting point for discussions on delinquency management and collection techniques in the specific COVID-induced changed market realities, with specific experiences from the field. The interactive session will look at relevant and current COVID relief measures and their effectiveness, as well as best practices in delinquency management. Speaker Moderator |
Lessons learnt from the crisis & Closing Remarks
After 3 days focused on the current and future challenges posed to the sector by the COVID-19 economic crisis, this session will be a general discussion on the lessons learnt over the last few months. Are there any positive outcomes that the sector could take away? If so, which ones and how can we make the most of them? And can we already see a brighter future around the corner for the sector? These questions and more will be put to the panellists before opening the debate to all attendees in order to share and exchange on experiences and lessons learnt by the microfinance sector in Europe. Speakers Moderator & Closing Remarks |
In partnership with the EIb Group
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
