In my quest to learn more/support about the 'other entrepreneurs' (those aiming slight right of the make money vs save the world line) the next on the list is Kiva, which has received a lot of press lately as the poster-site for micro-lending.
Kiva offers 'loans that changes lives," But I like their positioning statement: "We let you loan to the working poor." Kiva collects $25+ donation from individuals and loans them to 3rd world entrepreneurs looking to expand, grow, or sustain their businesses.
Mine went to a 28 year old father of one in Togo. (By the way Togo is a tiny country in West Africa...Kiva is good for geography lessons as well). He runs a motorbike repair shop. He requested a loan so that he could buy more parts...since his supply couldn't meet his demand. If he has more parts, he can do more repairs, make more money, and so on. Standard business. Awesome. All for $25
He's even paid back $2.08 already. And, just like vegas, Kiva has it figured out. It's REAL easy to reinvest when your money's already in the system. Who should I fund next?
Good...startup...karma.
Kiva. Change the world through the entrepreneurial drive of others.
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