Working in Microfinance… 16 Years!
There’s a saying that goes: “find something you love to do and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” Most of us feel very lucky to work at ACCION USA, we like our co-workers (at least I do…) and luckily we can measure the success of our efforts through the many microloans we give each month. Still, lately the reputation of microfinance in the United States has been overshadowed by negative press, effects of the events affecting microfinance overseas adding another challenge to working in microfinance.
To show that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and that the work of microfinance is as rewarding as always, I wanted to share this quick interview with Carmen Duperon, who has been working at AUSA since 1994 and has seen the ups and down of the industry and after 16 years of work in U.S. microfinance comes to work with a smile on her face, ready to tackle all the every day challenges.
Are Energy Star Ratings Bogus for Small Business?
- Image via Wikipedia
A Government Accountability Office investigation shows that many appliances backed by the Energy Star program are not tested for efficiency. The Office was able to get 15 fake products, even a gas-powered alarm clock, certified by Energy Star and five fake small businesses signed up for the Energy Star Challenge. The Office has pushed for independent testing of products – so that consumers and small business owners know what they’re buying is truly more efficient.
As a consumer that is influenced by the Energy Star label, I hope that the Energy Star quickly fixes their process. And not only to consumers rely on the Energy Star logo, but many government and nonprofit programs also use the rating system to dole out incentives and rebates to individuals and small businesses who choose Energy Star products. Just a quick search on the Database for State Incentives for Renewable Energy website comes up with dozens of such programs.
Check out this video from the New York Times in March detailing the grievances:
Do you rely on Energy Star to make informed buying decisions? How else do you ensure the products you purchase are green or energy efficient?
Microfinance Week in Review: Week Ending December 17
Some of the week’s news in the microfinance, green business initiatives and the small business sector:
- Get the Capital you Need- Bloomberg BusinessWeek
- Confidence at U.S. Small Companies Increases to Three-Year High- Bloomberg BusinessWeek
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- Screening: A Film That Is Part Business Primer, Part Pep Talk- WSJ.com
Microfinance Week in Review: Week Ending December 10
Some of the week’s news in the microfinance, green business initiatives and the small business sector:
- #1 Problem Facing Social Entrepreneurs? Lack of Capital. What to do?- Triple Pundit
- What about financial access in the U.S.?- Financial Access Initiative
- Voltage hopes to generate more than a caffeine buzz- Wicked Local
- Ill. announces $5M in loans for small businesses- Yahoo News.