Kiva

My wife and I were watching Business Nation on CNBC tonight and heard about a company called Kiva. The whole premise of this company is to connect entrepreneurs in third-world countries with people just like me and you who loan them small sums of money. This is the excerpt from Kiva's website:

"Kiva lets you connect with and loan money to unique small businesses in the
developing world. By choosing a business on Kiva.org, you can "sponsor a
business" and help the world's working poor make great strides towards economic
independence. Throughout the course of the loan (usually 6-12 months), you can
receive email journal updates from the business you've sponsored. As loans are
repaid, you get your loan money back."

This idea is extremely appealing to me as it can directly link me with an individual who is an entrepreneur in a third world country. These loans are often as little as $500 or $1000, but the kicker is that it isn't one person supplying all of it. These entrepreneurs receive small loan amounts from numerous people. These loan amounts can be as little as $25. What an awesome way to actively help fellow humans and actively work to help aleviate poverty.

Anyway, check it out and get involved. We're definitely going to. The website is http://www.kiva.org/.