We look forward to seeing you there!

Now more than ever, in the microfinance industry,  transparency and objective evaluation is needed to rise above criticism and offer stakeholders a realistic perspective on the risk and returns related to microfinance investment. Chuck Waterfield, founder of MFTransparency, and Sebastian von Stauffenberg, CEO of MicroRate, will host a webinar focusing specifically on the role of investors in helping to facilitate transparent pricing and on how investors can benefit from a market where MFI pricing is transparent.

The webinar will take place on July 20th from 4:00 – 5:30p.m. If you are interested in participating in the webinar, please click here to register or to attain further information about the webinar and its presenters.

About Chuck Waterfield

Chuck Waterfield founded MFTransparency in 2008 in order to facilitate transparent financial pricing among MFIs all over the world. Chuck will focus on the role of investors in helping to facilitate transparent pricing and on how investors can benefit from a market where MFI pricing is transparent. Chuck will also speak about the role of transparent pricing in responsible investment.

About Sebastian von Stauffenberg
n 1997, MicroRate was founded as the first rating agency to specialize in microfinance.  It’s goal is to increase transparency as a means of facilitating an increase of informed investment into microfinance. MicroR

ate evaluates areas such as governance, portfolio quality, management and operations, financial and social performance in both microfinance institutions as well as microfinance investment vehicles. MicroRate evaluations help investors measure risks and returns on their investments in microfinance. Sebastian von Stauffenberg, CEO of MicroRate and former General Manager of its Latin American operations will speak about the landscape of microfinance evaluation, addressing trends and as well as other observations from his participation in industry initiatives such as the Smart Campaign certification committee and Social Performance Taskforce.

Please visit La Dolce Vita, the Wellness Center at:

1445 Skyline Drive, Lemon Grove CA 91945

(858) 523-8064

La Dolce Vita

For more information about the Foundation for Women visit  THEIR WEBSITE

Edited by Justine Darling, USD Graduate Student

“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” – Mother Teresa

I believe the wisdom from Mother Teresa’s quote is most strongly felt within our hearts. When we begin careers or get involved in service it is likely that we believe, doing our best is good enough. Unfortunately, in many cases shortly after our initial enthusiasm, we come face to face with the needs of the community that are beyond our ability. This realization can be both a blessing and a curse. I would contend that the difference in its impact comes from within our own mindset and attitude.

Realizing that the needs of the communities we serve are beyond our abilities can be a curse if we do not develop sufficient faith in ourselves. The realization can be a curse if we feel we have already failed. It can be a curse if it causes us to doubt our efforts and become immobilized.  However, realizing the community we serve needs more than we can offer can also be seen as a blessing.

Realizing the needs of the community are beyond our current ability is a blessing because it calls us to look beyond ourselves. This process helps us to maintain perspective and learn humility. This process reminds us that our efforts are less about being everything to everyone and more about becoming something to someone.  Progress and innovation are the result of the need to develop beyond current capacity. Teamwork and community involvement build relationships that may otherwise fail to develop.

The San Diego Microfinance Alliance and its partners are a wonderful example of this reality. One can imagine that the small group of people that came together to form the alliance realized that they needed more help to serve more people. We can all see the progress, innovation, teamwork, and community involvement that the alliance has created within the San Diego community. The alliance currently has 13 partners committed to perpetuating and sharing the benefits of microfinance. May our work together continue to challenge us to reach new levels of service, education and community development!

Until next time, take care!

Written by Daniel Valcazar II, USD student

This guidebook presents a significant contribution to the microfinance community for multiple reasons. Firstly, the guidebook is free, which is a great start. Secondly, the guidebook is available in multiple formats so individuals can select the format they find most effective. Lastly, the guidebook addresses an obstacle that remains difficult to overcome, particularly for microfinance clients, harnessing the power of technology.

Karen Mills, a SBA Administrator said, “Our goal as an agency is to get information, tools and services into the hands of small business owners more quickly so they can spend more time doing what they do best – creating the jobs that will drive our economic recovery. This new guidebook is one more tool available to support small business growth through access to information and resources.”

The following is taken directly from the SBA press release:

Business Technology Simplified is available in a printed format in SBA district offices and local SBA resource partners, or may be accessed online as an electronic publication and as an electronic distance learning course. The new online course has been created for self-paced access to practical guidance on applying technology to build and grow strong companies.

The Business Technology Simplified online course allows quick access by small business owners to learn more about basic technology tools that can help their companies run more efficiently. The course features an audio guided lesson indexed by modules that includes information on how to use technology to save time in day-to-day tasks, how to better manage a business, mobile solutions that work, and tips on expanding customer base.

To access the course, go to www.sba.gov/training, then click Business Technology Simplified in the Highlighted Courses section. It is one of nearly 30 online tutorials offered by the SBA, and is available 24/7.

Lastly, if you would prefer a copy to download you can visit Microsoft’s website at: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=cb22851d-8195-4a46-b30c-9a57bcff0440. Good luck with this new and important tool!

Until next time, take care!

Written by Daniel Valcazar II, USD Student

The Alternative Gift Fair is an event that supports local vendors and artisans. The event has been on campus for over 10 years. As a result, many people around campus look forward to this event and plan to buy gifts for the most difficult people on their list. The particularly exciting aspect of this year’s Alternative Gift Fair was the presence of such a large number of microfinance clients.

This year’s Alternative Gift Fair was the largest in history and included 25 separate vendors. However, the most exciting part of the story was that 11 of the 25 were involved in microfinance! The breakdown for microfinance participants was roughly five vendors from the Foundation for Women, three vendors from the International Rescue Committee, and three vendors from La Maestra.

When asked about his perspective on the event, USD Senior Lovel Tokic, said that he, “felt good about putting his money toward a good cause.” Lovel spent about $40 on various gifts for the women in his life. “It was a very good atmosphere. The people were friendly and committed to their crafts.” This sentiment seems to be consistent with the goals of the event.

Fortunately, I had a chance to check in with some of the vendors after the fair. Their responses were positive and seemed to reflect the success of their sales. There were multiple women I’d checked with that made over $200 during the event and at least one woman made over $800! Needless to say, many of them hope to return next year.

If you’re still in need of some creative and unique gifts for the holidays, many of the vendors that participated in the Alternative Gift Fair also showcase their goods at other local events. Whether you’re looking specifically for holidays or just considering future gift ideas, check out the local events section of our website. There you can find various opportunities to see the crafts and jewelry you may have missed this past week, and many more from vendors that were not able to attend.

Until next time, take care!

Written by USD student, Daniel Valcazar II

Maria Muñoz’s business is Mari’s Lingerie. She is an independent distributor of Lipoarmonia products, which are lingerie/undergarments for women and men to assist in shaping their figure. She started this business in 2009 and is also currently working to receive certification as a Natural Health Consultant this year.

She was originally a nurse in Mexico but spent much of her time raising her two children Albert and Peter, age 10 and 6. The story of support and encouragement began when she found out her younger son had autism. Naturally, she wanted to be home with him whenever he needed her. As a result, Maria did not want a normal full-time job. She realized that with Lipoarmonia she could help others with their body image and earn an income with a flexible schedule. In addition, once she obtains her certification as a Natural Health Consultant she can further serve people with healthy habits and education.

Maria participates in the microfinance group in Chula Vista that was highlighted in a previous blog post (See Building Friendships, Building Business 11/1/10). However, Maria may be unique because she has not received a microloan and doesn’t have plans to request one in the near future. “Why does she participate in the group?”, you ask. I wondered the same thing, so I asked. She said she’s received a great deal of support and encouragement from the group and that has been more than enough. I don’t know about you, but I think that’s pretty powerful stuff.

Maria’s goal is to support her family and generate an income similar to that of a full-time job. She is confident she can achieve her goal because of her strong work ethic, communication skills and training experience. She continues to work on improving her English so she can serve more people. You might say she is paying it forward. I’d say she is a prime example of the deeper meaning and power of microfinance.

Until next time, take care!

Written by Daniel Valcazar II, USD student

Fonkoze, roughly translated, means “Shoulder to Shoulder” in Creole. As its name implies, this microbank has worked closely with the people of Haiti by “building the economic foundations for democracy in Haiti by providing the rural poor with the tools they need to lift themselves out of poverty.” Fortunately, great minds and hearts quickly connect to generate larger levels of success and support. This has led Fonkoze to develop a partnership with the Grameen Foundation, an important partner with the San Diego Microfinance Alliance.

While San Diego is far from being ”shoulder to shoulder” with Haiti, students from Point Loma Nazarene University and the University of San Diego participated in $2 Challenges to raise awareness and funds for those in Haiti earlier this year. Both of these schools have partnerships with the San Diego Microfinance Alliance and a desire to eliminate poverty through awareness and action. Both schools continue to develop microfinance clubs and events on their respective campuses.

A recent article in the New York Times highlights the importance of microfinance initiatives, particularly in Haiti. It demonstrates how microfinance can succeed where institutional lenders would fail. Microfinance initiatives may not yet have the same level of funds of traditional banking institutions, but they arguably make a larger impact upon the lives of people they serve.

Please check out the article from the New York Times here.

Please also take a moment to learn more about Fonkoze and their efforts in Haiti.

Until next time, take care!

Written by Daniel Valcazar II, USD student

The group is organized to help the women involved improve their current situation. If this seems daunting then the results are overwhelming. If you wouldn’t mind, let me take a moment to detail the course of the meeting. There are generally 10-14 women from various backgrounds at each week’s meeting. At first glance, the meeting may seem unorganized but after the initial commotion the meeting progresses steadily. The leader of the group brings the group’s attention to the various topics to be covered and then once this is completed, invites the members to respond or ask questions. This portion of the meeting provides for a unique sharing of best practices and support. Generally, after this portion is completed the members of the group are invited to formally introduce themselves and their business. During this process many of the women share a critical point from their previous week, whether positive or negative. As anyone can expect, their ability to present themselves and their business improves with each meeting. Shortly following this exchange, the leaders will close the meeting and the women will continue talking and sharing where they left off before the meeting. 

What is it about the meeting that is so special, you ask? I would argue it is the level of sincere care and support that each of the women experience with each other. The meetings are an avenue for learning new skills but I believe, more importantly, they are also a place to be uplifted. The women often share that the meeting is something they look forward to throughout the week and that they come into the meeting feeling overwhelmed and come out feeling better. It is through this process that each of the women grows in her own personal confidence and self-sufficiency, thereby allowing each of them to contribute to their community and ultimately to society as a whole. 

If you’re interested in supporting these women they are now holding a weekly showcase for their various goods and services. These will be held each Wednesday evening from 5pm-7:30pm. The location is the YES! Transition Network storefront within the Chula Vista mall. 

Until next time, take care! 

Written by Daniel Valcazar II, USD student

ACCION San Diego has brought together community partners and local businesses to present on three important aspects of the business growth process. There will be three separate panels presenting simultaneously so each participant can determine which panel is most relevant to their current situation. The panels include: Starting your Business, Financing your Business, and Promoting your Business.

The event is called the Women’s Empowerment Multicultural Business Luncheon and it seeks to assist women in “realizing their entrepreneurial dreams by identifying and connecting them with resources that can help them succeed.” The event will be held at the Jacobs Center, only costs $15 (for the first 100 participants), and includes lunch! 

The event will be a great opportunity to connect with like-minded women and learn from the experienced panelists. The Starting your Business panel will cover the top ten things entrepreneurs should consider before starting their business. The Financing your Business panel will share creative financing and non-traditional lending options for those interested in extra support or the chance to expand their business. Lastly, the Promoting your Business panel will unveil innovative marketing strategies to leverage and promote your business. Whatever your interests or needs may be you will walk away with new knowledge and the confidence that there are others to support you along the way. 

To sign up for the event please visit, http://www.marketcreekevents.com/payment.htm or call Kimberly Pecox at 619-527-6161 ext. 150 by October 22, 2010. 

Written by Daniel Valcazar II, USD Student