Paper

Creating a Microcredit Resource Center in Western Europe: Feasibility Study & Business Plan

Towards creating a better environment for microfinance in Western Europe
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This paper discusses the creation of a Western Europe Micro-credit Resource Center (MRC) that will aim to:

  • Promote the development of microcredit and microcredit institutions in Western Europe;
  • Support existing or future microcredit institutions to combat poverty, to create jobs and to promote economic initiatives by developing micro-enterprises and self-employment.

The paper discusses:

  • The expansion of microcredit in Western Europe, including the need for professionalism, capacity-building and constructive network;
  • The global and operational missions of the MRC;
  • Bridging the gap between demand and supply of microcredit in Western Europe, including:
    • The growing need for training and other services;
    • The unsatisfactory state of the existing technical support in Western Europe.
  • The goals and objectives of the future MRC;
  • The proposed organizational structure and plan of action, including:
    • Building a light and decentralized structure;
    • Proposed phasing.
  • Budget and financing requirements.

The paper concludes that the proposed MRC will help:

  • Develop and institutionalize microcredit;
  • Promote mutual learning and exchange of know-how;
  • The dissemination of best practices;
  • Improve the quality and impact of microcredit provision as an effective action to fight social exclusion in Europe.

About this Publication

By Salze-Lozac’h, V.
Published