Kiva.org “loans that save lives”
I’ve heard of Kiva before, but never really took the time to look into specifics of this lending website. Essentially, the site provides a platform to connect and loan to entrepreneurs in developing countries. I think i’m going to try it out, and will report specific details as they develop. In the meantime, here is information from the site regarding “what is kiva”:
We let you loan to the working poor. Kiva’s mission is to connect people through lending for the sake of alleviating poverty.
Kiva is the world’s first person-to-person micro-lending website, empowering individuals to lend directly to unique entrepreneurs in the developing world.
The people you see on Kiva’s site are real individuals in need of funding - not marketing material. When you browse entrepreneurs’ profiles on the site, choose someone to lend to, and then make a loan, you are helping a real person make great strides towards economic independence and improve life for themselves, their family, and their community. Throughout the course of the loan (usually 6-12 months), you can receive email journal updates and track repayments. Then, when you get your loan money back, you can relend to someone else in need.
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Scott Templar is a digital media, marketing, and commerce consultant and can be reached at info@scotttemplar.com