Microfinance "Plus" is a somewhat nebulous term for services and activities that go beyond the purview of formal microfinance products. Some microfinance institutions provide "plus" services such as business training, financial literacy courses, health training and other capacity building initiatives somewhat apart from actual loans/products, while others integrate them into the infrastructure of loan disbursement etc. Other entities, including MFIs and non-MFIs, provide services so that individuals can "graduate" into microfinance clients and economically active. The Centre for Micro Finance is working with a range of partners to evaluate the impact of these services on clients.

Motivating research questions behind Microfinance "Plus" projects include:
- Are SHGs effective channels for the sale of insecticide treated bednets in a malaria-prone region?
- What is the impact of financial literacy training on microfinance and non-microfinance clients in Gujarat?
- Can the poorest be integrated into formal microfinance programs?

Research Knowledge Partner Projects