MICROCAPITAL EVENT: HBS-ACCION Program on Strategic Leadership for Microfinance by Harvard Business School and ACCION International

HBS-ACCION PROGRAM ON STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP FOR MICROFINANCE

APRIL 13-18, 2009, HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL, CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS, UNITED STATES

The Harvard Business School-ACCION Program on Strategic Leadership in Microfinance offers finance leaders from around the world an exceptional opportunity to connect with peers while engaging with some of the HBS faculty’s foremost thinkers in business strategy and management. The fourth program of its kind, the 2009 event offers curriculum for all financial institutions, from microfinance specialists to conventional commercial banks, engaged in expanding finance to underserved clients around the world. The 2006, 2007, and 2008 courses brought together microfinance practitioners from 61 countries, including 41 CEOs from some of the field’s leading microfinance institutions. A full list of past participants can be found here.

The program will begin with an intensive immersion into the microfinance industry and the operations of leading microfinance institutions, provided by HBS faculty and experienced ACCION International practitioners. Then, participants will explore, primarily through the case method approach, the fundamental challenges of doing business at the base of the financial sector, including:

Succeeding in highly competitive financial sectors
Maintaining a social focus in a commercial setting
Reaching new business segments
Evolving products and delivery channels

Decision makers from the case studies will join participants in the classroom – on site or via video link – to engage in a live dialogue and explore the key concepts. The full brochure can be found here.

To be eligible for admission to the HBS-ACCION Program on Strategic Leadership for Microfinance, an applicant must be a senior executive of a retail microfinance institution, banking institution, or other organization interested in microfinance; or an industry-related policymaker or investor. The admissions committee takes into account a candidate’s organizational level; management experience, particularly in general management; and career goals. Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential for the completion of course assignments and active engagement in fast-moving discussions. Applications can be found here and must be submitted by December 15th. Space is limited to 60 participants.

The program cost of USD 7,400 covers six days and includes tuition, class materials, housing, meals, and extras. Experienced microfinance practitioners may be eligible for the five day reduced cost program of USD 5,700. ACCION attempts to find scholarships for people who cannot afford to pay the whole cost.

For additional information or questions about the program, please contact Anita Gardeva, agardeva@accion.org.