Microfinance and You(th)

August 23, 2007—Microfinance has made great inroads in helping the poor people get access to credit to start businesses and thereby improve their lives.

Microcredit, however, hasn't been extended to youth entrepreneurs.

There are 1.5 billion young people (12–24 year olds) in the world today, many of whom lack access to employment and education opportunities. Extending business development resources to young citizens can be beneficial for young people themselves and wider communities as a whole.

Making Cents International, an organization working to improve opportunities for microentrepreneurs, is bringing together the world's experts and youth entrepreneurs to explore how to increase opportunities for young entrepreneurs.  

The Youth Microenterprise Development Conference is taking place on September 10–11, 2007 in Washington DC.

Please check back in September to hear Youthink! interviews with youth microenterpreneurs.

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