by Bharathi Ram - Events -

MICROCAPITAL EVENT: Microfinance Connect to Conduct Training Program on ‘Market Research for Microfinance Managers’: April 15-17, 2009 in Hyderabad, India

Market Research for Microfinance Managers

April 15-17, 2009, Hyderabad, India

Microfinance Connect, in association with Sambodhi Research and Communications, is conducting a training program on ‘Market Research for Microfinance Managers’ from Apr 15-17, 2009 at Hyderabad, India. The need for the training stems from the fact that market research, which is a generally widely accepted and employed science to collect and analyze relevant data about customers/ competitors and markets, has found limited usage in Microfinance. The supply side potential for microfinance is immense with a large population out of reach of formal financial systems and this makes it tougher for organizations to transition from supply driven to demand driven growth. Hence, there is a need to sensitize and capacitate microfinance practitioners towards understanding the market in greater detail and appreciating specific needs of customers. Thus, according to the organizers, the main aim of the training is to address this need and to create more use for market research in the microfinance industry.

The event is hosted in association with MicroFinance Connect’s parent company Sambodhi Research and Communication Pvt. Ltd. which is a research, consulting and analytical support organization based in India.

The training is specifically aimed at:

  • Creating appreciation of the need, rationale and purpose for which market research may be used in microfinance
  • Augmenting the understanding of the principles and processes involved in conducting market research for microfinance
  • Imparting knowledge on the techniques used in key components of the market research process
  • Enhancing skills for analysis and interpretation of data generated as a result of market research for informed decision making

Upon completion of the training, the organizers expect participants would be able to use market research tools to:

  • Design and execute market research for exploring business opportunities
  • Profile and segment existing and potential consumers
  • Comprehend consumer preferences and gauge product value
  • Establish client satisfaction benchmarks and undertake benchmarking.

The event flyer is available here. The registration fee for the three day training is INR 10,000 (approximately USD 193) for Indian participants and USD 350 for non-Indian participants. Training fee includes tuition fee, reading material, lunch at the training venue and other training expenses. It does not include accommodation. Participants are requested to make their own arrangements for boarding and lodging. However, on actual payment basis, these can be arranged by Sambodhi. To register for the event, please email: connect@microfinanceconnect.com.

Additional information and other queries may be directed to connect@microfinanceconnect.com or +91-11-40560734.

Microfinance Connect is a privately held knowledge management organization based in New Delhi, India. Its services are primarily focused towards the following:

  • Promoting communication within the microfinance sector and outside through its web portal www.microfinanceconnect.com. This provides a knowledge management platform showcasing news, events, discussions and issues in the microfinance sector in addition to providing a database of financial and social performance of microfinance institutions along with indicators on client level impact
  • Mainstreaming impact at the beneficiary level: Microfinance Connect has two initiatives towards this objective namely an assessment methodology called MIRACLe developed by Microfinance Connect and the Global Microfinance Impact Alliance. For more information on the tool MIRACLe, please click here.
  • Business Analysis and Advisory to MFIs: The organization provides solutions to meet the needs of MFIs in the areas of standardizing business process, building capacities, understanding the client group, identifying right product, service and methodologies. Microfinance Connect provides capacity building services to MFIs through customized/retail trainings and other services through consultative research.

As of March 2009, Microfinance Connect had a total of 205 member microfinance organizations. For an exhaustive list of the member organizations of Microfinance Connect, please click here. Information on the executive team at Microfinance Connect can be found here. As of now, no financial information on Microfinance Connect is publicly available.

By Bharathi Ram, Research Assistant

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