Imagine if $400 would be enough to start a business, buy the supplies, make the product, sell to consumers, have enough left over to feed your family and maybe even your next door neighbors and buy the supplies you'd need to do it all over again.
Welcome to KIVA.
"Kiva, which is Swahili for "agreement" or "unity," is harnessing the power of social networking to support microenterprise in the developing world."
Similar to borrowing money from friends or family members to achieve a dream, KIVA is helping enterprising people in developing countries by organizing loans that provide the support necessary to start a small business. Villagers are using the money for small craft businesses, food sales, clothing retailers and with the profits are able to support many members of their community and pay back the loan.
You can help. KIVA has established the opportunity for multiple people to donate small amounts of money (as little as $25) to help these entrepreneurs. Check out this recent article in Business Week or check out KIVA's website for more information and for some of the people currently seeking finanical assistance.
1 comment:
Glad to see your back and posting to this blog. I'm also glad you highlighted Kiva.org. I think it is so exciting that we actually have the tools to eliminate poverty in our lifetime.
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