Changing the World 1 Business At a Time
April 28th, 2008
KIVA is a social networking site dedicated to connecting lenders willing to contribute a few hundred dollars to entrepreneurs in under-developed countries. For example you can help Rosa Josefa Marquez De Limachi further her shoe sales business, or Lucila Malagon in Ecuador grow her pharmacy.
Through a network of partners Kiva screens loan recipients and provides a transparent view of the loan status to all of the parties involved.
Kiva very clearly lays out the risks involved with lending in this manner even though the amounts are relatively small; under $5,000. In most cases the average lender only contributes one-two hundred dollars and can monitor the progress of the investment via a personal online portfolio.
Furthermore, the folks at Kiva have done an excellent job of keeping the site design simple and accessible to many different audiences. If you’re thinking of giving to a charitable cause I HIGHLY recommend Kiva.
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