NEWS
The EUIPO – European Union Intellectual Property Office is offering two online training opportunities: one focused on IP for Business Advisers and the other on IP Monetisation Opportunities. You can find more information at the links below.
We are excited to announce that UNESCO and EMN have joined forces to develop innovative resource mobilization mechanisms for the benefit of UNESCO-designated sites and programs.
The goals of this collaboration include:
- Mobilizing Funding: Attract public and private funding to support communities associated with UNESCO-designated sites and programs.
- Developing a Sustainable Investment Ecosystem: Create a network of stakeholders dedicated to establishing sustainable investment mechanisms for entrepreneurs within UNESCO-designated sites and programs.
- Supporting Business Development: Offer assistance in developing viable business plans for entrepreneurs in UNESCO-designated sites and programs.
- Recognizing and Sharing Local Knowledge: Conduct competency mapping to identify the skills and expertise of community members within UNESCO-designated sites and programs, facilitating knowledge exchange both within and outside the networks.
- Assisting MEN Member Institutions: Help member institutions expand services that enhance entrepreneurs’ resilience to climate change and prevent biodiversity loss. This includes providing both financial and non-financial support, as well as implementing risk management and environmental strategies.
- Facilitating Funding Initiatives: Promote funding opportunities for communities living in or around UNESCO-designated sites and programs, particularly those affected by natural disasters due to climate change.
- Raising Awareness: Inform the member community about the latest trends in sustainable farming and explore how these practices can be integrated with microloans and impact investing.
We look forward to sharing more updates with you soon.
We are delighted to announce that during the recent EMN General Assembly held in Cagliari on October 16th, we officially established a partnership with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).
This partnership aims to foster cooperation among financial stakeholders to improve access to finance for SMEs and start-ups. By enabling these enterprises to leverage their intellectual property (IP) as a tangible asset in financial and investment processes, we align with the EUIPO’s strategic approach.
Our collaboration will focus on the following key areas:
- Capacity Building: EMN and EUIPO will collaborate to develop initiatives that strengthen the capacity of Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) to recognize and value Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) as part of the financial due diligence process.
- Awareness-Raising Activities: We will work together to raise awareness among European SMEs about the importance of protecting and managing their intangible assets.
- Exchange of Data and Information: EMN and EUIPO will promote the exchange of relevant knowledge, non-confidential data, and insights to better understand the specific needs and challenges that MFIs face regarding IPRs.
- Participation in Workshops and Events: We will encourage mutual participation in conferences, forums, and other relevant platforms.
EMN looks forward to collaborating with EUIPO to enhance support and services for SMEs.
EMN is extremely thrilled and proud to announce a strategic partnership with UNESCO that would focus on attracting public and private funding around UNESCO-designated sites in Europe and support nearby local communities. Furthermore, we plan to jointly develop and implement projects to foster sustainable development and green microfinance.
“This unique partnership aims to eventually develop a sustainable investment ecosystem, support business development for microentrepreneurs, promote sustainable farming and link it with microloans, enhance entrepreneurship resilience to climate change and so much more. It opens new possibilities for our members and brings microfinance in the forefront of #InclusiveEconomy, focusing on humans and the environment. We are thankful to UNESCO and in particular Merieme Bouamrane for recognizing this huge potential.” Jorgos Papadaks, EMN Managing Director
You can read the complete MOU here.
The role of microfinance is crucial in empowering regional and local communities, fostering cohesion, and enhancing cooperation. Key examples illustrate how microfinance and cooperatives can improve access to housing, promote gender equity and equal opportunities, stimulate employment and green entrepreneurship, and drive innovation.
This year, EMN Annual Conference focuses on strengthening communities through microfinance and social inclusion. Titled “Roadmap to Sustainability and Inclusive Development: Microfinance as a Catalyst for Building Stronger Local Communities,” the event will take place in Cagliari, Sardinia (IT), on🗓️ October 16th-17th. Pre-conference activities on 🗓️October 15th will be held for EMN members. The event is organised in partnership with EMN members, CoopFin and RITMI, at the UNAHOTELS T Hotel Cagliari.
Early bird registrations are now open for both members and non-members:
✔️ €448.96 for EMN members
✔️ €725.90 for non-members
Check for details on how to register and take advantage of early bird rates!