An important component of the Initiative’s work has been to provide technical assistance to partners and affiliates that need support in specific areas, such as business planning, product development, MIS, and human resource management. The Initiative provides customized technical assistance through the use of staff, hired consultants, and a regional microfinance expert and retained consulted, Mohammed Khaled of MicroServe.

Business planning has been critical in boosting the capacity of MFIs, helping them to create a strategic plan in which to guide their management. Without a solid business plan, MFIs are not ableto efficiently utilize resource, plan for long-term growth, or attract commercial funds.
 

At all stages in the process, the Initiative works with the partner to ensure that they are learning from the process and not simply having a business plan created for them. Active partner participation is thus essential and partner needs and priorities are the primary consideration within all workshops and technical assistance sessions.