This book aims to bring new insights into the effectiveness of microfinance as a tool for boosting entrepreneurial activities that in turn enhance the capabilities of individuals living in extreme poverty across several dimensions of human development, especially in the current challenging times for both individuals and the microfinance industry. Theoretical contributions explore the interplay between classical microfinance models and entrepreneurial ecosystems as well as innovative microfinance models, such as the pass-through microlending model in the crowdfunding context. Empirical contributions shed light to the interplay between microfinance and poverty, economic development, well-being and women’s empowerment. The book also considers responses to emerging challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and promoting Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in the microfinance market, specifically focusing on eliminating extreme poverty (SDG1), promoting shared economic growth (SDG8), and reducing the inequalities among countries (SDG10) to ensure all people achieve prosperity.

We thank to the FCT, Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P. for funds provided for this work. Projects: PTDC/PTDC/EGE/OGE/31246/2017, UIDB/04630/2020, UIDB/00315/2020, UIDB/05037/2020, and UIDB/04105/2020

• Economics and Business - Social Sciences
• Other Social Sciences - Social Sciences