4.17.2008

Microfinanciers of Kiva

Hello everyone. Today I'll talk about Kiva.org.

Kiva.org is a "micro-lending website, empowering individuals to lend directly to unique entrepreneurs in the developing world." What exactly does that mean? Well, when you go to their website they show you the different projects they are sponsoring, who's the person(s) who need the money, where they live and what they need it for. Then, if you choose to, you can give them a certain amount of money (you don't need to finance the whole thing, you an give as little as $25!), and (wait for it)....you get back the money eventually! It's basically a loan you're giving to people who want to start their own businesses and provide an income for themselves but who lack the means to do so. You don't get interest back, of course, but after you get back your money, you can re-invest it in the site.

The organization has been featured in many magazines and newspapers (BussinessWeek, The Wall Street Journal, among others) and it's pretty established already, so you know you're not sending your money to some tiny island in the Caribbean...

I personally think it's a great idea, as cheesy as it may sound, you $25 (or $50, or $100!) may turn into a long-term, sustainable business for someone who desperately needs it. This is not charity, this is your money creating, well, entrepreneurship, jobs and quality of life.

So, what the hell? Give $25, or even, if it's your birthday, tell your family to give money to Kiva.org, you'll get it back eventually (a couple of months?)
DO IT!
:-)

ElCarrá

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I see a lot of potential for scammers to take advantage of people's willingness to help here.

Anonymous said...

that sounds like a great idea, but also potentially dangerous for the entrepreneur...if something happens to their new business, they're completely screwed and in debt that would presumably be really difficult to get out of