Author: Mariel Vincent Rapisura

Most microfinance institutions turn to automation to solve their bookkeeping system problems. However, most software providers do not have enough background in microfinance, therefore, software designs are not attuned to the needs of microfinance institutions. Off the shelf software, on the other hand, do not have the required flexibility to adapt to policy and changes…

Most commercial financing institutions use asset-based or project-based lending since their target clients are those that have collateral and are able to craft business plans. However, microfinance clients neither have the assets nor the skills to qualify loans from traditional commercial funding sources. Thus, microfinance uses character and cash flow as the basis for extending…

Outreach is important in achieving the dual mission of a microfinance institution, social mission and financial sustainability. Forming centers are crucial for microfinance institutions (MFIs) practicing group methodology. In addition, loan application form is crucial to assess the character of a potential microfinance client. The training on center formation and loan application form teaches microfinance…

An important means to address delinquency is through proper client selection. Cash flow and credit and background investigation are techniques use to select clients properly. This course provides an in-depth discussion of two aspects of character and capacity-based lending: cash flow analysis and credit and background investigation (CI/BI). The provision of microloans relies on these…

The business planning for microenterprises course is designed to improve the management skills of microentrepreneurs. The course enables microenterprises to craft their own vision and mission; assess the external environment where they work; identify and evaluate opportunities; improve delivery of products and services; craft a personal financial plan; and learn techniques in marketing their products…

With the success of the provision of credit among the poor, the utilization of credit for adequate income and employment generation is a cause of concern for most of microfinance stakeholders. It has been observed that microenterprises need an enormous range of services, not just financial. This course is designed for microfinance institutions who are…

Branch viability is the capacity of a branch to sustain its operations and continuously create value for the organization and its clients. The branch viability course discusses the standards for assessing branch viability, including indicators for measuring the performance of staff members and of the organization as a whole. The course includes sessions on basic…

Middle managers play a crucial role in microfinance since they could be considered as the backbone of the microfinance institutions (MFIs). The middle management is the point where microfinance’s lofty mission must be translated into a sustainable and scalable operation. The middle managers are often poorly equipped to deal with this challenge. The branch operations…

Microfinance institutions face a variety of risks in delivering its products and services. Written policies and procedures are put in place in order to manage these risks. Branch and area managers perform audit functions to ensure that policies are followed, financial and operating information are accurate and reliable, and risks are identified and minimized. Training…

Training on Accounting for Non-Accountants ultimately aims to assist managers in identifying and analyzing problems through information generated from financial reports and eventually making management decisions based on these. The training course will include process on how financial statements are created, basic accounting principles, and financial ratios.