Harnessing Student Potential In Microfinance

Berkeley Microfinance Simulcast Group

Information

A space for members of Sean Foote's Introduction to Microfinance Class to take surveys and engage in post-class discussions with speakers and one another.

You must request membership at the top of the page to join this group.

Location: Berkeley, California
Members: 220
Latest Activity: Jan 27

Important Links and Materials

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Introduction To Microfinance Course Syllabus

Microfinance_simulcast_syllabus_2011.doc

Class Feedback Survey

Discussion Forum

Questions for Eric Weaver 2 Replies

Please post any extra questions that you have for Eric Weaver. Eric is the CEO of Opportunity Fund, a leading MFI in the US, and has a wealth of knowledge about microfinance in the US. He will be…Continue

Started by Zach Ingrasci. Last reply by Eric Weaver Nov 28, 2011.

Questions for Eric Weaver collected during 11/9/2011 chat 2 Replies

Q: How long does a typical borrower stay with the MFI? Q: In your opinion, what are the advantages and disadvantages of student-led practitioner groups operating domestically?Q: How does Opportunity…Continue

Started by Ula Furman. Last reply by Eric Weaver Nov 28, 2011.

Why is the cost of raising capital so high for MFIs?

Sean, during class you mentioned how even for SKS, a very large and reputable MFI, the cost of capital was 9.1% in 2009. Is it risk of default that makes it expensive? Is it because there is no…Continue

Started by Chris Temple Nov 9, 2011.

What lessons can microfinance teach us about Social Entrepreneurship more broadly?

I am curious about identifying the key lessons or practices that microfinance can teach a student. Whether or not we end up working in microfinance or not, does an understanding of microfinance lay…Continue

Started by Chris Temple Nov 9, 2011.

Survey 1: Is it Okay to Make Market Rate Profits in Microfinance? 3 Replies

After you answer the survey question "Yes" or "No", here is a chance to explain the rationale behind your answer. You better be ready to defend your position because Sean will ask you during class!Continue

Started by Chris Temple. Last reply by Susan Swyt Nov 4, 2011.

Survey 3: Will microfinance grow faster in the next 3 years than it has in the past 3 years?

Share your thoughts here about today's survey question!

Started by Chris Temple Nov 2, 2011.

How can we know how much subsidy is the right amount? 1 Reply

I'm intrigued by the question in class this week about the right amount of subsidy. Too little and a firm could go out of business too early. Too much and there is no incentive to improve the…Continue

Started by Professor Sean Foote. Last reply by Xinzhu Li Nov 2, 2011.

Survey 2: The Events in Andhra Pradesh Have Proven that Microfinance is Out of Control

After answering "True" or "False" in the survey, please justify your answer here for others to see.

Started by Chris Temple Oct 25, 2011.

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Comment Wall

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Comment by Brandon Morton on November 1, 2010 at 9:00pm: Question for Dr. Mau:

You mentioned earlier that agriculture was not effective means of cash flow, then what types of micro-loaned businesses do succeed in Honduras, Nicaragua, Venezuela??