NEWS
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!
The European Microfinance Network (EMN) is seeking a qualified and experienced consultant to produce two focus papers as part of the Mastercard Strive EU Programme. This program aims to strengthen the resilience and growth of small businesses across Europe by promoting innovative, digital, and data-driven solutions that facilitate access to finance, improve operational capacity, and expand business networks.
The Mastercard Strive EU programme includes a €4.5 million Innovation Fund, offering grants of up to €500,000 to organisations working on solutions in key areas such as Embedded finance, Cybersecurity, Environmental sustainability and Artificial intelligence (AI).
These focus papers will contribute to the programme’s broader goals of knowledge dissemination, stakeholder engagement, and ecosystem development.
Purpose of the call
EMN requires an experienced consultant to research and draft two focus papers exploring:
- Embedded Finance: Innovations enabling small businesses to access working capital and credit through integrated financial solutions.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Applications and tools that help small businesses save time, increase efficiency, and drive growth.
Each paper should:
- Highlight the latest policy for these topics
- Analyse the impact on small businesses
- Offer actionable recommendations for stakeholders and policymakers
Scope of Work
The consultant will:
- Conduct desk research and interviews with key stakeholders, innovators, and beneficiaries within the Innovation Fund winners
- Produce two focus papers (approximately 10–14 pages each, including an executive summary and a summary), one for each theme
Ensure each paper includes:
- An overview of the theme and its relevance to small businesses
- Analysis of current challenges and opportunities
- Examples of solutions from Innovation fund winners
- Policy recommendations
Timeline
- Assignment starts: July 2025
- Draft papers due: September 2025
- Final papers due: End of October 2025
Consultant Profile
- Proven experience in research and policy analysis related to small business development, digital innovation, or financial inclusion in Europe.
- Strong understanding of embedded finance and/or artificial intelligence as they relate to small businesses.
- Excellent writing and communication skills in English.
- Experience working with international development organizations, financial sector stakeholders, or innovation programmes is an asset.
Application Process
Interested consultants should submit:
- A CV highlighting similar assignments.
- A financial proposal (including a breakdown per deliverable).
- Potential list of stakeholders to interview for each paper.
Deadline for Applications: 11/07/2025
Send applications to emn@european-microfinance.org with the subject line: “Consultant Application – EMN Focus Papers”.