Brazil Network Strengthening Program
Brazil Network Strengthening Program
According to a recent report by the Brazilian Central Bank, demand for microcredit in Brazil is increasing, with an estimated 70 million people who could benefit. However, access to microfinance resources is scarce. The Brazil Network Strengthening Program seeks to prepare local microfinance associations to help meet this demand. The program was launched in São Paulo, Brazil, on May 22, 2012. The initiative is made possible through support by the Citi Foundation.
The program supports the strengthening of two important microfinance associations in the country: ABCRED – Associação Brasileira de Entidades Operadoras de Microcredito e Microfinanças and ABSCM – Associação Brasileira das Sociedades de Crédito ao Microempreendedor e à Empresa de Pequeno Porte.
Methodology
The project's methodology is based on the model already successfully used by the SEEP Network during the Citi Network Strengthening Program, conducted between November 2007 and December 2010. The main goal of that program was to strengthen the operational, technical and financial capacities of 12 national and regional microfinance associations as a way of promoting the growth and development of the local microfinance sectors.
The Brazil Network Strengthening Program methodology is based on three mutually-reinforcing pillars: institutional strengthening through evaluation of the capacities of the associations and structured planning for their strategic alignment; technical support to provide improved services to members; and facilitation of knowledge and international best practices among associations. In addition to certain core activities, the program will be adapted to meet the specific needs of each association.
Project one-pager: Portuguese | English
partners
ABCRED
ABCRED promotes the strengthening of microfinance institutions, developing technical services and activities among associates. It is a non-profit organization with associates in all Brazilian regions, all of them practicing productive microcredit under the guidance of credit agents. For more information, please visit www.abcred.org.br
ABSCM
ABSCM – Brazilian Association of the Societies for Credit to Microentrepreneur and Small-Sized Companies is a non-profit association without political or religious connections that aims to support Societies of Credit to Microentrepreneurs and Small-Sized Companies. For more information, please visit www.abscm.com.br.
News and events
Brazil Network Strengthening Program Launch Event
SEEP, Citi, Citi Foundation and the two project partners officially launched the Brazil Network Strengthening Program on May 22, 2012 with an event in São Paulo, Brasil. During the event, the organizing partners of the project as well as the the two microfinance association partners were introduced.
Agenda (Portuguese)
Read the article from Pequenas Empresas & Grandes Negócios
Peer Exchange in the Dominican Republic
On February 4 - 7, 2013, ABSCM and ABCRED participated in a peer exchange in the Dominican Republic with the microfinance bank and NGO, ADOPEM. Katherine Oglietti, Program Manager at the SEEP Network, wrote a blog post highlighting some of the learning and exchange that took place.
Agenda (Spanish)
Best Practices (Portuguese | English)
Notes (Spanish)
Evaluation Results (Spanish)
Presentation by ADOPEM (Portuguese)
Report from ABSCM (Portuguese | English)
Partner Spotlight
Empresta Capital has been awarded with the 2012 Citi Award for Most Innovative Financial Institution in Microfinance in Brazil. Ricardo Assaf, managing partner of Empresta Capital, is the director of ABSCM. Bluesol and Banco do Povo, led by the directors of ABCRED, were also recognized. Congratulations to our partners! Read the press release here.
The Citi Foundation is committed to economic development and financial inclusion of individuals and families, especially in communities where the bank is present, so that they can improve their standard of living. Globally, the Citi Foundation establishes its strategic objectives and priority areas: Financial Education, Microfinance, Entrepreneurship and Youth Training. Additional information can be found at www.citifoundation.com
A leading global financial services company, Citi has approximately 200 million accounts and does business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions. Citi offers individuals, corporations, governments and institutions a broad range of financial products and services, including banking and consumer finance, corporate banking and investment, brokerage and asset management. For more information, visit www.citi.com
