Many people in the developing world would like to
run their own businesses, but lack the funds to
start. The amount needed, by our standards, is
very little: often less than $500. Others have
businesses but need short-term loans to buy tools
or increase inventory.
In June 2006 I read an article in Business Week Magazine about Kiva. As a former Peace Corps Volunteer (Senegal, 1970-73), I was very impressed with what they are doing. My son, age 13, and I are now making monthly loans via Kiva—he gets to choose the entrepeneur and contributes 20% of the money; I fund the rest.
Sobering to think that for the price of a decent digital camera or a couple of iPods, someone in another country can start a business which might support their whole family.
Here's what our lender page looks like.
In June 2006 I read an article in Business Week Magazine about Kiva. As a former Peace Corps Volunteer (Senegal, 1970-73), I was very impressed with what they are doing. My son, age 13, and I are now making monthly loans via Kiva—he gets to choose the entrepeneur and contributes 20% of the money; I fund the rest.
Sobering to think that for the price of a decent digital camera or a couple of iPods, someone in another country can start a business which might support their whole family.
Here's what our lender page looks like.