Los Angeles Microfinance Network

10:00am-11:45pm (pacific)
Opening Session
Conversation with Maria Shriver, First Lady of California, Premal Shah, President of Kiva, and small business owners who have benefitted from microloans.
Opening Remarks: Martin Eakes, Self-Help

1:15pm-2:30pm (pacific)
A Living History: U.S. Microfinance Past, Present and Future

A “fireside chat” with seasoned microfinance leaders, some of whom founded the industry up to thirty years ago. Topics include the history of domestic microfinance, assessing where the industry is heading and scaling microfinance in the U.S.

2:45-4:00pm (pacific)
Leveraging Partnerships to Reach Millions
Innovative microfinance models and public-private partnerships are leading the way to a new wave of expansion into untapped markets in the U.S. Panelists will discuss the need and demand for microfinance products in low-income communities, and how they are leveraging partnerships and dollars in hopes of reaching millions.

4:15-5:30pm (pacific)
What is a fair price for good credit?

Emotions run very high around the issue of interest rates, and some MFI’s abroad have been criticized for their high rates.  Why is it that the price charged for money is scrutinized so much more carefully than the price charged for other goods?  Here in the U.S., non-profit lenders have kept their interest rates lower for a variety of reasons, including regulations, public perception and investor restrictions.  If we are serious about scaling up U.S. microlending, are much higher rates going to be necessary, so that earned income can replace philanthropic support?  We will hear from several practitioners and thinkers on the question: What is a “fair” price to pay for good credit?

www.microfinanceusa2010.org/webcast