The US Dollar is still a formidable force in the world. In developing countries, US Dollar can make you feel like a loan shark! Kiva is an organization that provides a new, “sponsor a business” option for individuals to connect with small enterprises in developing countries through flexible loans.
Kiva partners with existing microfinance organizations and institutions and finds outstanding entrepreneurs who need loan funding. Their expert in-country staff works with these partner organizations to conduct due diligence on each business, and once approved, post each business’ profile on their website. This is where you come in. You can choose to loan money online, using your credit card or Paypal, in increments as low as $25 (you spend that much when you go for a movie and dinner, maybe more) toward the loan needs of a business. With your participation, Kiva gives entrepreneurs access to the capital they need to lift themselves out of poverty.
Read the Kiva story to find out how this unique way of helping out entrepreneurs started in Africa.
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