Microfinance - small scale loans that make a difference.

I first came across the idea of microfinance and Kiva (www.kiva.org) when I was discussing a client's long-term goal to set up their own charity to help people in Africa. Microfinancing is an instant, easy way to help without the need to be a philanthropic millionaire. 

Prompted by David Ferrers' recent blog post, I've just made a loan to an entrepreneur named Seang La Chea in Cambodia. Her group still need another $150.00 to complete their loan request of $200.00 (you can loan as little as $25.00!). I know we may all be short on cash at the moment but for the price of a few coffees, you can help me get this entrepreneur off the ground by clicking on the link below to make a loan to Seang La Chea's Group too:

http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=156583

I chose Cambodia and Seang La Chea's Group, as I visited the country a few years ago and it was the most amazing place with incredibly friendly and genuine people.

I choose exactly who my money is loaned to and what they're using it for. And most of all, I know that I'm helping them build a sustainable business that will provide income to feed, clothe, house and educate their family long after my loan is paid back.

You can go to Kiva's website and lend to someone across the globe who needs a loan for their business - like raising goats, selling vegetables at market or making bricks. Each loan has a picture of the entrepreneur, a description of their business and how they plan to use the loan so you know exactly how your money is being spent - and you get updates letting you know how the entrepreneur is going.

The best part is, when the entrepreneur pays back their loan you get your money back - and Kiva's loans are managed by microfinance institutions on the ground who have a lot of experience doing this, so you can trust that your money is being handled responsibly.

Join me and the team at Zenaid and start making a difference - one loan at a time.

Thanks.

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What others are saying about www.Kiva.org:

'Revolutionising how donors and lenders in the US are connecting with small entrepreneurs in developing countries.'  -- BBC

'If you've got 25 bucks, a PC and a PayPal account, you've now got the wherewithal to be an international financier.'  -- CNN Money

'Smaller investors can make loans of as little as $25 to specific individual entrepreneurs through a service launched last fall by Kiva.org.' -- The Wall Street Journal

'An inexpensive feel-good investment opportunity...All loaned funds go directly to the applicants, and most loans are repaid in full.' -- Entrepreneur Magazine