As part of the Sixth Annual Conference’s program, Sanabel is organizing a session under the “Investment Readiness Track” on May 13th 2009 from 2:30pm – 4:30pm called the “Financing Forum”.  The objectives of the Financing Forum are to update microfinance practitioners on the new developments in commercial funding and existing opportunities in the region as well as to facilitate business meeting between practitioners and investors.

The session will begin with an opening presentation that provides an overview of the current state of commercial financing in the microfinance sector, recent trends, impact of the global financial crisis on the sector, and investor expectations for the region.  This will be followed by three other presentations by commercial bankers and investors with experience in the region.  The presentations will highlight the funding mechanisms offered in the region and the current state of investment readiness. The presenters will showcase samples of quality pitch-books prepared by MFIs to demonstrate key elements that bankers and investors look for when assessing funding eligibility.  A panel of investors and bankers will be on stage to participate in a Q&A session following the presentations. 

The “Financing Forum” will be followed by another two-hour networking opportunity from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, where conference participants will be given time to network with regional and international bankers and investors. The networking session seeks to provide microfinance institutions with an opportunity to establish and develop relationships with a range of financiers.  Microfinance practitioners are encouraged to bring supporting financial documents to enhance one-on-one discussions with potential financiers during the breakout session.