Microfinance in San Diego

Ocotber 27th, 7:00pm-8:30pm

The fourth and final session will feature several working professionals from local organizations, each sharing unique information about their organization, it’s role in microfinance, and opportunites for involvement. Participants in the course will learn about how these organizations utilize microfinance to engage refugees, immigrants, men, women, entrepreneurs and small-business owners in the local economy. There will also be a short presentation on personal investment opportunities in the microfinance sector. Learn how to get a return on your financial investment while supporting the working poor around the world.

Presenters

Maria Montano - Loan Officer at ACCION San Diego

Ms. Montaño joined the ACCION team in March 2001 and was promoted to Loan Officer in March 2003. As a loan officer, Ms. Montaño is responsible for generating new loans, marketing and outreach, and loan servicing. She is bilingual in English and Spanish and brings over ten years of experience in office management to her position.

ACCION San Diego is a non-profit organization striving to bring economic opportunity to small business owners in San Diego County. By providing small business loans and support to entrepreneurs who lack access to traditional forms of credit, our goal is to help them create their dreams, provide for their families and contribute to their communities.

Joel Chrisco - Microenterprise Specialist at the International Rescue Committee

Joel Chrisco joined IRC San Diego in 2006 and has worked in various capacities within the Community and Economic Development Department, including Micro-Lending Coordinator and now the Microenterprise Program Specialist. As the Program Specialist, Joel oversees the day-to-day operations of IRC San Diego’s Microenterprise Development Program, including loan underwriting, 1-on-1 business counseling, client outreach and recruitment, and program planning.

IRC San Diego administers a Microenterprise Development Program for refugees and asylees in San Diego County. The goals of the program are to assist in the creation, strengthening and/or expansion of refugee-owned small businesses. To meet these goals, the program provides technical assistance, small business loans (up to $15,000), and sector-specific trainings. While some clients have been in the US for only six months, others have been in the US for eight years. Refugees and asylees open many different types of businesses, including restaurants, convenience stores, taxicab companies, and home based childcares. Since 2000, the program has helped to launch more than 150 refugee-owned businesses

Learn more about the IRC HERE.

Murugi Kenyatta - Executive Directoror At Foundation For Women

Mission
The Foundation for Women (FFW) serves impoverished women locally and globally by funding and creating microcredit programs.

History
The Foundation for Women (FFW) was founded in 1997 to provide a sense of connection and support for the needs of all women and their families. It received its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in September 1998.

Since its inception, the Foundation for Women has touched the lives of thousands in the San Diego area as well as nationally and internationally. FFW programs reach women in transition, at risk and in crisis as well as offering programs to inspire and educate all women.

The commitment to women and families is made possible through memberships, grants, donations and countless volunteer hours from FFW members. The FFW is committed to change the statistics of poverty via microcredit. Learn more by clicking HERE.

Nate Ritter - Microfinance Fan, Investor, and Web Extrordinaire

Not only is Nate Ritter a key member of making the San Diego Microfinance Alliance work, he’s also dedicated to making his investments work for others. Hear Nate share about ways to make both social and financial return on investments through organizations such as Microplace, Zopa, Kiva, and prosper. Learn more about Nate at his Blog . To learn more about his thoughts on investing in individuals and microfinance organizations Click Here.