This paper analyzes the impact of the Strengthening Women Entrepreneurship in Peru (SWEP) program. SWEP trained female micro entrepreneurs in business management practices (such as accounting and marketing). The training, which was provided in 4- to 5-hour sessions, used soap operas and...

This paper augments a relatively standard dynamic general equilibrium model with financial frictions in order to quantify the macroeconomic effects of the credit deepening process observed in many Latin American (LA) countries in the last decade, most notably in Brazil. In the model, a stylized...

The mission of Pro Mujer Perú is to support women through loans and training programs that will contribute to their comprehensive development. The majority of these women are self-employed peddlers whose business produces an income for their families. This presentation gives an overview of the...

The informal economy plays an important, yet often overlooked, role in economies throughout the world. Informal activities can provide a much needed source of income for a great number of people. At the same time, informality motivated by regulatory distortions, tax evasion, or in the pursuit of...

Funded by MIF, CAF and Calmeadow, this MicroRate report provides a snapshot of how the impact of the global financial crisis evolved during the last quarter of 2008. The study combines data and interviews from 52 microfinance institutions (MFIs) and 23 microfinance investment vehicles (MIVs)....

Improving remittance flows between Latin America and the US involving stronger ties with financial institutions and a favorable money transfer system would subsequently increase consumption, savings, and investment.

US banks and credit unions are determined to have Latin American immigrants as important and permanent members of their customer base. Community groups, government, and US business interests are aligning through the remittance market to the benefit of Latin American immigrants and their families.

This note summarizes the results of a recently completed IDB survey of microfinance in the region. The survey includes information on microfinance activities in 25 countries as well as an initial review of effective interest rates charged to microfinance clients.

This paper describes how to do equipment finance--leasing and lending--for mainstream microentrepreneurs, that is, for those microentrepreneurs needing approximately $50 to $2500 to purchase equipment. Specifically, this paper examines the pros and cons of the two major financing alternatives,...