The European Microfinance Network is pleased to invite you to the “Islamic Microfinance - the microStart approach” webinar on September 28 at 11.00 Central European Time.
During the webinar, leading MFI microStart will expose us to their multiple and well-established ad-hoc services for migrant communities. microStart is based in Belgium, a fertile ground for different cultures and origins. microStart has developed accompanying services that support, understand the needs of, and build a connection with migrant and refugee entrepreneurs with Arabic backgrounds, from the inception of their businesses and in their own language. microStart is also developing interest-free loans that comply with Sharia laws.
During the webinar, we will discover microStart’s approach to migrant communities and entrepreneurs, how it is sustainable and how it can be replicated. To do so, we will have Martijn Crabbé, Partnership Officer of microStart and Ahmad Ghalic, Advisor for the Ghent branch. Together, they will let us in their work with their clients, showing the challenges faced along the way.
Our experts
Ahmad Ghalic: Ahmad worked as a lawyer in Syria, specialising in corporate law and banking affairs. Driven by his passion for social impact and economics, he got his master's degree in economics at the university in Ghent. He started working at microStart as a credit advisor to help people in their economic inclusion and participation, especially those who cannot access traditional financing institutions.
Martijn Crabbé: After his studies at the ArteveldeHogeschool in Ghent, Martijn decided that he wanted to use his financial knowledge to help those who are excluded from the financial system. Martijn believes that microfinance is a way to help people gain their independence, helping them to thrive in different aspects of life. He joined microStart to help those that fall through the cracks of our financial system.
