Kickstart Project trained 79 loan officers from partner MFIs

Kickstart Project works with partner MFIs in order for them to develop new dedicated loan products or to adapt existing products in order to offer access to finances for young entrepreneurs. This way young micro-entrepreneurs will have more financial service opportunities for their new micro-businesses and also to develop or expand existing self-employment activities.

Kickstart Project organized 5 trainings/ workshops during July – December 2022 with loan officers of partner MFIs (ASF, BESA, NOA) to introduce our project to them and for them to have a special focus on young entrepreneurs and to develop their skills in sales and customer care. This will make it possible for loan officers to target young entrepreneurs.  79 loan officers, thereof 42 women, (from 3 partner MFIs: ASF, BESA, NOA) participated in these workshops in total.

The intervention of the Kickstart Project focuses mainly on young micro-entrepreneurs with mostly marginalized and/or migration backgrounds who start or have recently started their micro-business. The main aims are to offer them access to finances through loans from MFIs and to develop their knowledge and skills related to financial literacy (through dedicated trainings) and business management (through the business mentoring).