The provision of financial services to low-income clients is an under-examined facet of the economic system. Proponents of microfinance believe that meeting the financial needs of such community members can be a sustainable answer to solving the problems associated with poverty in our society. Please join us as we explore some of the issues surrounding microfinance in Canada, including:

• What is the significance of microfinance programs in the Canadian context?
• What is the need for microfinance programs?
• Under what conditions do microfinance programs thrive in Canada?
• What are the challenges faced by Canadian microfinance programs?

Sign up today to participate in this engaging telelearning session, featuring Susan Henry (Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility at Alterna Savings) and Anahi Rivadeneira (Microfinance Program Officer at Vancity), with facilitation by Seth Asimakos of the Saint John Community Loan Fund.

Spaces are free, but limited - Register today!

Call Logistics:

• Session Date: Tuesday, March 10th, 2009
• Call begins at 9:00 am PST, 10:00 am MST, 11:00 am CST, 12:00 pm EST, 1:00 pm AST, and 1:30 pm NST
• Call in information will be given upon registration
• Register before March 8th to obtain dial-in information and background papers
• This session is in English

Session Format: 1 Hour
Welcome: 5 minutes
Presentation: 10 minutes from each speaker
Discussion: 35 minutes

Registration: By Email or by Phone
Register by e-mailing telelearning@socialeconomyhub.ca with your name, location, and work or volunteer position. We will provide instructions on how to access the telelearning forum. Unfortunately, the session is only open to those residing in Canada. To register by phone call 1-250-472-4976.

Limited number of phone lines for session – Register today!

Background readings:

• The path from poverty to self-reliance with Vancity
• Just Starting: Microbusiness at Vancity
• Good Practice in Business Development Services: How do we enhance entrepreneurial skills in Microfinance Institution Clients? By Susan Henry

Anahi Rivadeneira
Anahi Rivadeneira is the Microfinance Program Officer with Community Business Banking at VanCity Credit Union. Her daily work can include delivering financial literacy programs to members, sourcing and underwriting microcredit loans, and working with community agencies to build a range of supports for individuals using microfinance to lift themselves out of poverty. After five years at Vancity, Anahi has worked in the branch system as a personal lender and with Community Business Banking implementing various programs and projects which align with VanCity's commitment to facing poverty. With a background in Sociology, Anahi is passionate about how microfinance can make a difference in individual lives. Anahi's experience as a member of a newcomer family to Canada makes her an emphatic lender to underserved and under banked members of our communities. Anahi's workday passion is mirrored in her off-work time: she raises funds for an orphanage of disabled children in Peru, her country of origin. [Photo: Anahi Rivadeneira with Dr. Muhammad Yunus, developer of the concept of microcredit]

Susan Henry
Susan Henry has over 10 years of experience in the micro-finance arena, including program development, community development and outreach, member service, and revenue growth. She is currently the Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility at Alterna Savings, where she and has successfully managed the Community Micro Loan Program for over five years. Prior, Susan was a Business Loan Specialist at the Calmeadow Metrofund in Toronto. At Alterna Savings, Susan has helped over 373 micro entrepreneurs achieve their goals through lending, coaching, educational and networking events and more.

Seth Asimakos
Seth Asimakos wrote the original business plan for the Saint John Community Loan Fund and continues as its manager today. Previous to the Loan Fund, Seth helped develop an immigrant owned worker co-operative in Saint John; prepared refugees and immigrants for the job market; and worked on rural economic development in Nicaragua and Colombia. Seth also serves as Executive Director of the Canadian Community Investment Network Cooperative and he is a Co-Director of the Atlantic Social Economy Research Project, housed at Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, NS. He has served on various local boards including Bayview Credit Union, Options Outreach and the Co-operators Advisory Panel. He holds a master's degree in planning and development.

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