Forum on Meso-Finance
This forum was created for those who met at the BiD Seminar meeting on MESO-FINANCE.
The meeting held at the dob foundation on September 13th, 2006.
At the Seminar Meso-Finance was defined as the financing needed by (and issues of) SMEs in developing countries in the range of $5000 - $500,000
7 topics
Solution 5: Peer-to-peer banking
- Peer to peer banking platform, reduce transaction costs. Invest directly on-line an an investor in a business that has been checked locally by a credible bank.
transaction costs are too high. Money from Africa goes to London. Basic structures should be provided by the government or ngo’s (this can be their role in the future). Standards and creation of enabling environment.
Solution 3: First Aid desk for entrepreneurs
First aid desk for entrepreneurs. Intermediary non or on profit basis (guarantee for independence) staffed by professional volunteers.
Peer to peer group for entrepreneurs. Desks regionally or locally. So entrepreneurs will know what is available. Parties investors — entrepreneurs can meet. Resembles Solution 1.
Internet based regional management. Present tool kits and information for entrepreneurs at a lower cost. Social reporting framework:
• comparable social impact framework
• identification of smart subsidy
Create a platform for investors and entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs should invest in each other (reinvest locally). Utilize local skills. Profits made can be shown to other potential investors. Maybe organise an event once a year. Use church, rotary network etc. Goal: demonstration platform within a year.
How to develop a Meso-Finance Market?
What is needed?
- supportive regulatory environment
- access to capital
- local banks ‘into’ meso finance ïƒ local drive
- creative solutions to manage transaction costs
- access to training & education for local managers
- foreign investors to promote a liberal approach
- opening of local credit markets
Who should participate?
- local banks
- (foreign) institutonal & private investors/ funds
- multilateral organisations + governments
Who should not?
- anyone neglecting the local context
- anyone creating unfair competition
- anyone without a clear incentive to participate
Success Factors
internal
• entrepreneurial approach — no charity or donations
• building a sound structure — trustworthy names
• co-investment partners
external
• local market presence — local partner structure
• hedging strategies — small vs larger investees
• strong monitoring capacity
