Hon. Bob Rae & Ian Smillie keynotes at Toronto International Microfinance Summit (Oct 5)
TORONTO, Sept. 13, 2013 /CNW/ - Toronto International Microfinance Summit - Canada`s Premier Microfinance Event - announced today its 5th annual event will explore microfinance as a Catalyst for Change. Participants will learn how microfinance has brought change to: water issues, women's empowerment, local initiatives, Aboriginal Peoples and First Nations, scale and sustainability and technology. Sponsored by Oikocredit, Alterna Savings and JVL Global Corp, with financial assistance for students provided by The MasterCard Foundation, the Summit brings NGOs, development professionals, foundations, social innovators, government officials, politicians, students, business leaders, entrepreneurs, the media and people interested in "hand up" solutions together for an important conversation.
EVENT: 2013 Toronto International Microfinance Summit DATE: Saturday, October 5, 2013 PLACE: Allstream Centre, 105 Princes' Blvd (Exhibition Place), Toronto TIME: Registration & micromarketplace 8am, Program 9-5:30pm, sit-down lunch COST: $100 per person (Early bird until Sept 15) $125 per person (after Sept 15)
The interactive format is designed to spark new ideas and critical thinking; to foster cross-pollination, innovation and action. The two keynote speakers will share their views on Canada's domestic and international development.
"Microfinance is an important part of rural development around the world. We need to look at what it can do in Canada's First Nations communities, where access to affordable capital is a real issue," says the Honourable Bob Rae, Chief Negotiator for the Matawa First Nations in the Ring of Fire, former Interim Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada and 21st Premier of Ontario.
"Once a leader in international development, Canada is now a laggard: narrow, self-serving, slow and mean," adds Ian Smillie, Order of Canada recipient, International Development Specialist and Author, "Reversing the trend and getting Canada back into the game has never been more important."
"For 5 years we have been bringing important issues to light and people together for open, meaningful dialogue," remarks Dr. Carol Golench, 2013 Summit Co-Chair and President of Toronto International Microfinance Summit. "Our goal is to help reduce poverty and build sustainable communities."
The micromarketplace, open all day, showcases the work of micro-entrepreneurs and social innovators their products, services and programs. Contact us for an application. The inaugural microbookclub blog launches with Freedom from Want. The NEW microwalk video will take viewers from man in the streets of Toronto to women in the developing world, and back. Students are encouraged to contact us for their special offer.
Toronto International Microfinance Summit is Canada's premier event focusing on domestic and international microfinance. Founded in 2009 and incorporated as a nonprofit in 2011, the organization was inspired by the Rotarian Action Group for Microfinance and Community Development (RAGM) and Rotary District 7070 Microfinance Committee. The Summit's signature Conference and Gala are run entirely by volunteers of diverse backgrounds and ages. Our vision is a world without poverty through microfinance. Our mission is: to educate our community on microfinance, a formidable poverty reduction tool; to create a forum for dialogue and action; and to raise profile and/or funds for organizations that make an impact through microfinance. In 2011, 40 speakers from 30 organizations on 5 continents presented at the Summit. The 2012 Toronto Microfinance Symposium was presented in collaboration with Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto. In 2013, our 5th anniversary, we explore microfinance as catalyst for social and economic change. www.microfinanceconference.ca
Image with caption: "Toronto International Microfinance Summit - Canada's Premier Microfinance Event (CNW Group/Toronto International Microfinance Summit)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130913_C7082_PHOTO_EN_30825.jpg
Image with caption: "Opening Keynote - the Hon. Bob Rae, Chief negotiator Matawa First Nations in Ring of Fire, former Interim Leader of Liberal Party of Canada & 21st Premier of Ontario. (CNW Group/Toronto International Microfinance Summit)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130913_C7082_PHOTO_EN_30821.jpg
Image with caption: "Luncheon Keynote - Ian Smillie, Order of Canada recipient, International Development Specialist and Author. (CNW Group/Toronto International Microfinance Summit)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130913_C7082_PHOTO_EN_30822.jpg
SOURCE: Toronto International Microfinance Summit
For tickets, and more information including speakers, visit: www.microfinanceconference.ca
Contact:
Wendy Bodnoff
Co-Chair, Marketing, Media & Public Relations
905 334 3660 [email protected]
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