THE CHALLENGE OF ACCESS TO FINANCE FOR MSMEs: Innovative Approaches This session will analyze several experiences of successful public policies and programs for expanding access to finance for MSMEs. Innovative financing tools such as “crowdfunding” will be considered highlighting their potential as well as the challenges countries face to regulate them appropriately. The contribution of cooperatives will also be explored.
Moderator: Inés Bustillo, Director, UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) Office in Washington D.C.
Crowdfunding: Harnessing its Potential, Addressing its Risks Richard Swart, Director of Research, University of California, Berkeley, Innovation in Entrepreneurial and Social Finance Program
Expanding Support for SMES through Alternative Financial Instruments Alejandro Soriano, Senior Executive, SME Division, Development Bank of Latin America (CAF)
Cooperatives: Addressing the Financial Needs of the MSME Sector Gilles Bernard, Vice-président Performance et Innovation, Desjardins, Canada
Q & A and exchange among participants