Written by a team of well respected microfinance practitioners and published by the United Nations Development Programme, MicroStart: A Guide for Planning, Starting and Managing a Microfinance Programme has been developed as a means to help organizations and individuals who wish to initiate or strengthen their microfinance programmes. It offers not only a thorough introduction to the background and basic concepts of microfinance, but also a concrete methodology, ready-to-use tools and a proven approach for meeting global demand for small loans to the smallest businesses. The MicroStart Guide can also be used by formal sector finance institutions interested in building outreach to this important sector.

The Guide is divided into four sections and includes a tool kit. The Introduction reviews the lessons of project managers of the past twenty years and many of the myths surrounding lending to the poor. Chapter One, Planning outlines the general principles of good planning and guides you through the design of a microfinance project. Chapter Two, Starting suggests how to set up your office and recruit and prepare staff. Chapter Three, Managing demonstrates how to collect and disburse cash, keep records, track loan payments, take action on overdue loans, and create and analyze reports. The Tool Kit contains copies of all forms discussed in the manual, ranging from planning formats to recommended accounting documentation.

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