Creating a Microcredit Resource Center in Western Europe: Feasibility Study & Business Plan

This paper discusses the creation of a Western Europe Micro-credit Resource Center (MRC) that will aim to:

• Promote the development of microcredit and microcredit institutions in Western Europe;
• Support existing or future microcredit institutions to combat poverty, to create jobs and to promote economic initiatives by developing micro-enterprises and self-employment.

The paper discusses:

• The expansion of microcredit in Western Europe, including the need for professionalism, capacity-building and constructive network;
• The global and operational missions of the MRC;
• Bridging the gap between demand and supply of microcredit in Western Europe, including:
  • The growing need for training and other services;
  • The unsatisfactory state of the existing technical support in Western Europe.
• The goals and objectives of the future MRC;
• The proposed organizational structure and plan of action, including:
  • Building a light and decentralized structure;
  • Proposed phasing.
• Budget and financing requirements.

The paper concludes that the proposed MRC will help:

• Develop and institutionalize microcredit;
• Promote mutual learning and exchange of know-how;
• The dissemination of best practices;
• Improve the quality and impact of microcredit provision as an effective action to fight social exclusion in Europe.