Draft programme EMN Annual Conference 2011

Completing microfinance with sustainable 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. Participants will be requested to
respond to the challenges linked to growth by sharing their views and plans for
the future. Furthermore, they are asked to draw up short recommendations that
will be presented later to EMN and to the audience.

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

14.00-14.02: Introduction to the afternoon session by the moderator: Joyce Kimwaga

Lundin (Neem, Sweden).

14.02-15.00: 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: Dr Robert Lensink (Professor of Finance
and Development, Groningen University, The Netherlands).

15.00-15.15: “Microfinance – the positive approach” by Camie Bonger.

15.15-15.30: Tea break – “Meet the investors”.

15.30-17.00: First round of simultaneous breakout sessions:

Enterprise support services, who benefits – the borrower or the lender?

Lecturette and debate with panel, 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 presented by Alberic Pater (Triodos Facet, The
Netherlands) with panelists Marjolein de Boer (Managing Director, Eigen
Baas, The Netherlands) and 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: Dr. Harry den Tillaart
Radbout*, University Nijmegen; Jim Tanburn*, Donor committee on
enterprise development (DCED); Norbert Kunz*, iq consult (Germany); Ms.
Debritu, Dutch entrepreneur

Why do savings matter?

Listenshop with three presentations. Moderator: Faisal Rahman (Fair
Finance, UK). Speakers: Jean-Claude Rodriguez (ACAF, Spain), Bernard
Bayot (Résau Financement Alternatif, Belgium)

BDS 2.0 – can we apply IT in BDS?

Best practices and elevator pitches. Facilitators: Jan Wilhelm Wolff and
Vincent Stulen (Qredits, The Netherlands).
(9 June - day one continued)

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

09.00-09.02: Introduction to the second day of the conference, chaired by Giampietro Pizzo
(Microfinanzas, Italy)

09.02-09.45: “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?

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?

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 presented 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?

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 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.

European Code of Good Conduct

Speakers: Philippe Delvaux* (European Commission DG Regional Policy),
Karl Dayson* (University of Salford), Antonique Koning* (CGAP)

What really helped me?

Interview with microentrepreneurs from EMN network by journalist (tbc).
(10 June – second day continued)

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: Daniel Sorrosal (Executive Secretary EMN, Belgium).
Panellists: Faisal Rahman (Fair Finance, UK); Jean Claude Rodriguez
(ACAF, Spain); Jennifer Rowe (GoodBee Chief Executive Officer, 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?

Lecturette and debate with panel, 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?

Microfinance institutions often argue that micro loans are best granted when they are linked
with Business Development Services (BDS). But how should those services be provided?
In combination with lending; as a comprehensive package or as supplementary services?
Should they be optional or conditional?
Open space debate presented by Alberic Pater (Triodos Facet, The Netherlands) with
panelists Marjolein de Boer (Managing Director, Eigen Baas, The Netherlands) and
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: Dr. Harry den Tillaart Radbout*, University
Nijmegen; Jim Tanburn*, Donor committee on enterprise development (DCED); Norbert
Kunz*, iq consult (Germany); 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: Jean-Claude Rodriguez (ACAF, Spain), Bernard Bayot (Résau Financement
Alternatif, Belgium)

• 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
thrilling* experience!
Best practices and elevator pitches. Facilitators: Jan Wilhelm Wolff and Vincent Stulen
(Qredits, The Netherlands).
*beware: participants will have to participate and give the best they have! because the
outcomes will be used for practical improvements the coming year.

• 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
predominant model is based on a credit only approach, recurrent step lending and focus on
existing income generating activities. This model, has brought a number of MFIs in
developing countries much closer to sustainability. 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).
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?
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
realize 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?

Microfinance institutions often argue that micro loans are best granted when they are linked
with Business Development Services (BDS). But how should those services be provided?
In combination with lending; as a comprehensive package or as supplementary services?
Should they be optional or conditional?
Open space debate presented 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? How can the costs of support services be addressed? 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.
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 effects of BDS?

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 enterprises? 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

As part of the JASMINE process the European Commission announced that a code of good
conduct for microcredit providers throughout the European Union would be established.
The Code has been developed through stakeholder involvement, based on the recognition
that in light of the disparate regulatory frameworks in which microcredit providers in the EU
operate there is a need for a unifying set of expectations and standards that is common to
the sector. The workshop will provide a unique opportunity to know more about the
implementation of the code, provide comments, and express your experience and
expectations.
Speakers: Philippe Delvaux* (European Commission DG Regional Policy), Karl Dayson*
(University of Salford), Antonique Koning* (CGAP)

• 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).