About:

The Chicago Microfinance Conference (CMFC) is a collaborative effort among leading graduate business and policy institutions that brings together practitioners, academics and emerging industry leaders to advance the strategic debate of the future of microfinance.

Independent – The CMFC is independent and the goal of the conference is to provide a forum to discuss the key issues affecting the microfinance industry and allow for free and honest discourse of those issues.

Cutting Edge – The CMFC is not designed to introduce people to microfinance, rather the CMFC aims to advance the strategic debate and help participants uncover new approaches to microfinance

Track Record – The 5th Annual Chicago Microfinance Conference is expected to build upon our past successes and set a new standard for dialogue within the industry. In the past, we have featured speakers such as Richard Weingarten, Matthew Bishop, Vikram Akula, Elizabeth Littlefield, Elizabeth Funk, Larry Reed, Mary Houghton, Alex Counts and Robert Annibale and have attracted over 300 people each year.

Variety of Stakeholders – The CMFC draws individuals from microfinance institutions, corporate banks, governments, NGOs, academics, graduate students and provides an opportunity to discuss the key issues facing the microfinance industry.

Midwest-based and Affordable – The CMFC is the only Midwest-based conference and is purposely kept very affordable to ensure participation from stakeholders throughout the value network.