Sustainable Microfinance - Balanced Scorecard's added value for ...

4. Efficiency and automated processes to judge applications, such as a client-
score-model, that are adjusted to the target group can reduce costs and
contribute to sustainability;
5. Self-sufficient microfinance does not seem to be possible without relative high
interest rates.
1.2 Different microfinance players
In line with the advisory report three related components have been created.
According to Heemskerk (2009a) microfinance in the Netherlands, is intended for
starting and existing entrepreneurs with a feasible business plan and consists of
three different components:
• Promotion and distribution of services;
• Coaching and;
• Microcredit up to !35.000, -.
1.2.1 Promotion and distribution of services
Longer existing and newly erected local initiatives are carrying out the promotion and
distribution of services. By the time of the first annual meeting of the so-called
microfinance-entrepreneurs-points (MF-points), there were 34 registered MF-points,
and a couple of MF-points were in the process of being erected, to realize the
ambition of national coverage by the end of 2010 (Stichting Microfinanciering &
Ondernemerschap, 2009b).
According to the toolkit ‘how to set up a MF-point’ there can be made a distinction
between three different types of MF-points (Stichting Microfinanciering &
Ondernemerschap, 2009a):
1. Model 1 – the Entrepreneurs’ house
2. Model 2 – the Entrepreneurs’ office window
3. Model 3 – the Entrepreneurs’ network
The models have different approaches and characteristics, but all examples can be
found in practice. Potential and existing entrepreneurs can visit these MF-points to
Elmar Hoogendoorn 5
Sustainable Microfinance