Introduction to Microfinance Lecture Series

This course will explore the theory & practice of microfinance around the world; the history, those involved, the impact and next stages of microfinance around the world. Microfinance is an effective tool to fight poverty. Poor people need access to financial services just like we do. Microfinance started out as small loans that helped the poor start a business, earn income, build assets and move from mere survival to planning for their future. It has expanded to savings, mortgages and many other products. Deutsche Bank estimates that over 100 million poor people have benefited from microfinance. However, $250 billion is needed to enable the billion people who live on less than $1 a day to work their way out of poverty.Aug. 27 Introduction to Microfinanceand the Local PerspectiveRudy EstradaDirector, Small Business InstituteCSU Channel IslandsSept. 10 Role of Village Technologyin MicrofinancePeter BladinExecutive Vice President andFounding Director Grameen FoundationSept. 24 Microfinance: Commercializationand Next Stages of MicrofinanceLeslie TheodoreSenior Development OfficerAccion InternationalOct. 8 Bringing the Corporate Worldto MicrofinancePaul BlythHead of FinanceMicroplaceOct. 22 Economics of MicrofinanceAshish Vaidya, PhDDean of the FacultyCSU Channel IslandsNov. 5 Microfinance through the InternetScott BellowsMicrofinance PartnershipsKiva.orgNov. 19 Microfinance A Platform forOther Social DevelopmentSean CarpenterTechnical Officer for Microenterprise & Agri-business Project Concern International (PCI)Dec. 3 Women's Economic Ventures and MicrofinanceMarsha Bailey, CEO & FounderWomen's Economic Ventures (WEV)