“So, if you find yourself engaged in a debate about the usefulness of microfinance, from now onwards let the speaker know that yes microfinance has been proven to have a significantly positive economic (consumption, nutrition and asset accumulation) and social (female empowerment) impact on the of the poor and that this positive effect is very likely to be felt by at least 100 million people.” (And if they still have doubts direct them to this “Next Billion” post!).