TMI continues to grow as a student organization, creating new teams as projects develop. See below for a description of the 2008-2009 teams.
Industry Analysis - Research
The Industry Analysis – Research Team looks to examine the applications of microfinance within different geographic regions across the globe. They do this through research and analysis of the history of microfinance, the set-up of microfinance, and the hindrances to microfinance in the respective region. The team then takes this information and looks to make recommendations to TMI about ways that we could possibly help in the respective region.
Industry Analysis - Economic Theory
The Industry Analysis – Economic Theory Team looks to study the economic underpinnings of microfinance as a viable solution to combating poverty. Similar to the Industry Analysis – Research team, this team conducts research to present to our members and other individuals about the economic theory behind microfinance, including differing opinions on whether microfinance really is a solution to the problems some regions face.
Development
The Development Team is responsible for marketing the organization to the Kelley School of Business, the Indiana University community, and outside organizations that show an interest in the purpose of our group. The Development Team also looks to raise funds from independent donors to sustain our group. These donations go to fund projects events that TMI wishes to undertake including materials for presentations to classes and groups, marketing materials to promote our organization, microfinance conferences, and guest speakers.
Distribution
The Distribution Team’s mission is to set up communication between small-scale artisans in third-world countries and local businesses in Bloomington, Indiana in order to create a relationship between the two. This team will act as the intermediate and facilitate the distribution of goods from Africa back here to Bloomington. The purpose of this trade is to benefit both parties involved, as the African artisans will be able to make a profit on their goods and the Bloomington community will be culturally enriched by having the ability to buy hand-made goods from unique geographic regions across the world.
Outreach
The Outreach Team aims to educate the student body of Indiana University and the community as a whole about microfinance by creating events to bring in speakers and set up conferences that discuss the field of microfinance. These events may range from faculty panels discussing the pros and cons of microfinance and whether it is a viable option in the United States to leaders and entrepreneurs in the microfinance field coming to speak about their experiences with microfinance.