Microfinance innovations have gone through their ups and downs when it comes to scandal, popularity and importance, but there is no mistaking the influence that microfinance has had on both the international development field as well as the emerging scenes of social business, social enterprise and impact investing.
This Social Business top list of microfinance innovations covers anything and everything from youth-oriented finances like the ever-creative MyBnk and equally creative ventures like Simpa Networks, which offers "pay as you go" energy to underserved markets in India. What is so crucial about microfinance is the range of fields that it influences from charity and the eco industry to, well, even fashion. The latest of microfinance innovations that SocialBusiness.org covered was a fashion brand called the Naked Hippie that redirects profits to funding microloans for small-scale entrepreneurs in the Majority World.
30 Microfinance Innovations
30
Entreprenurial Philanthropy
Jessica Jackley Introduces Small Business Models that Help the Poor
29
Pay-as-You-Go Energy
Simpa Networks Offers Solar Power to Underserved Markets in India
28
Microfinance Investing
Kiva.org Lets You Become a Banker to the Poor
27
Microloan-Giving Tees
The Naked Hippie Invests in Small-Scale Entrepreneurs in the Majority World
26
Accessible Bamboo Bicycles
Zambikes International Creates Jobs and Transportation in Zambia
25
Social Entrepreneurs
A Megatrend
24
Ebay Ventures Into Microfinance
MicroPlace.com
23
Conscious Capitalism
Dirty Business No More
22
One Euro Sneakers
Muhammad Yunus Collaborates With Adidas Third World Project
21
Microlending Credit Cards
KivaB4B Doubles Grants
20
Urban Slum Sanitation
Sanergy Turns Kenyan Toilets into Green Social Enterprises
19
Giving 2.0
Kiva Loans Lend Directly to a Developing World Entrepreneur
18
Disruptive Entrepreneur Incubators
The Unreasonable Institute Spurs Social Enterprise Ventures
17
Fair Trade Cocoa
Divine Chocolate is a Social Business Partly Owned by Its Farmers
16
Activist Apparel + Accessories
Nest Helps Fund Female Artisans in Developing Countries
15
Collateral-Free Microcredit
Muhammad Yunus's Grameen Bank Has Revolutionized Finance
14
Youth-Oriented Finances
MyBnk Teaches Money Management and Entrepreneurial Skills
13
Social Entrepreneur Associations
‘Ashoka: Innovators for the Public' is World-Changing
12
Flourishing In Crisis
Green Banks Thrive as Wall Street Collapses
11
Microloans for Homelessness?
Beyond the Cardboard Shares Stories, Interviews and Resources
10
Green Power Microlending
Energy in Common's Person-to-Person Loans Fight Climate Change
9
Global Microfinance Networks
FINCA Provides Financial Services to Low-Income Entrepreneurs
8
Alternative Loan Products
Fair Finance Offers Affordable Banking to Urban Populations
7
American-Based Microlending
ACCION Chicago Provides Financial Access to Small Business Owners
6
Conscious Food Collaborations
Watami and the Yunus Centre Sign MOU to Create a Social Business
5
Social Advisory Firms
Intellecap is a ‘Think and Do' Tank With Market-Based Strategies
4
Comprehensive Vision Care Access
Aravind Eye Hospital Combats Needless Blindness in Rural India
3
Social Enterprise Magazines
Beyond Profit Provides Content to Spark Positive Change
2
Eco-Certified Athletic Balls
Fair Trade Sports is a North American Purpose-Driven Company
1
Poverty Partnership Imaginings
The Prof. Yunus James Chau Interview on CCTV Explores the MDGs
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Supportive Entrepreneur Communities
Ooutliers Shares Insights From Successful Startups
Credit-Consolidating Finance Apps
The 'StellarFi' App Pays Your Bills & Boosts Your Credit
Origami Travel Solar Panels
Sego Innovations Offers Tech for Powering Farther Off the Grid
Disruptive AI-Finance Chatbots
Origin Financial Wins Big with AI Chatbot for Everyday Finance
Gen Z-Focused Fashion Labels
The 'MIXT' Label Caters to Youthful Fashion-Forward Indian Consumers
Illuminated Mirror Power Banks
The Conceptual 'Mica' Power Bank Has a Multifunctional Design
Nature-Inspired Solar Panel Trees
New World Wind Develops the Aeroleaf Hybrid Technology
Wireless Solar-Powered Lights
Lund University Students Explore the Benefits of Solar Power
Emerging Technology Publications
New Society Has Launched Its Inaugural Book About Technology
Chic Circular Fashion
Broke in Chic Offers Timeless Elegance and Sustainable Fashion
On-Demand Fashion Production
Shein Moves Away From its Fast Fashion Roots with New Manufacturing
AI-Fueled Finance Apps
The 'Finn' App Can Provide Accurate Responses to Complex Queries
AI-Backed Private Payment Solutions
TODAQ's 'TAPP' Micropayments Improves Healthcare Privacy
Biomaterial Fashion Textiles
Modern Synthesis Creates Microbial Materials with Nanocellulose
Digital Rewards-Integrated Cards
TranzactCard Introduces the eZ-Power Card to its Fintech Platform
AI-Powered Digital Banks
Revolut Introduces its Reliable AI-Powered Finance Product, Billpay
Eco-Friendly Inclusive Apparel
SHEIN Launches evoluSHEIN Line Designed to be Accessible for All
Wireless E-Bike Charging Systems
MobiDock Launched a Charging Ecosystem for Bikes and Scooters
AI-Powered Budgeting Apps
Cleo Helps Gen Z Get Their Finances in Order with Roast & Hype Modes
Africa-Focused Digital Wallets
Abba Payments Debuts a Digital Wallet Service for African Consumers
Kids' Money Management Books
'The Adventures of Ca$hman & Supersaver' Promotes Financial Awareness
Clothing Buy-Back Programs
Eileen Fisher Revolutionizes Clothing Recycling with Renew Program
Financial Literacy Board Games
Chime Launches a Gamified Financial Literacy Initiative
Clean Neurocosmetic Skincare
Justhuman's Clean Products Deliver Results Fast
Digital Currency Piggy Banks
This 'Smart Piggy' Bank Concept Upgrades a Classic
Efficient Business Payments
Xero Debuted Two New Integrations for Business Payments
Microcation Planning Services
Going Places Travel Helps Plan the Perfect Short Vacation
German Payment Expansions
Brite Introduces Instant Payments for German Consumers
AI-Powered Fintech Tools
Square Introduces Ten New Generative AI Features for Content Creation
Sustainably-Focused Experimental Fashion
Noki & the NESTT Showcase an Upcycled Fashion Collection
Integrated Payment Applications
MoneyCollect's New Payment Gateway Enhances the User Experience
Micro-Influencer Marketing Services
SCREENSHOT Micro Boost Refines the Brand-Creator Experience
Upcycled Laundry Hampers
Fashion Takes Action Concluded Canada's First Textile Recycling Pilot
Reimagined Sustainable Menswear
22Ahead Has Relaunched Its Eco-Friendly Menswear With New Benefits
Ethical Premium Bedding
Linen Reform is Revolutionizing the Home Textile Market
Financial Coloring Books
Chime Boasts Activities for Financial Progress Month
AI-Powered Finance Trackers
TotallyMoney and Bud Financial Launch an AI-Powered Payments Tracker
Peer-to-Peer Returns Networks
'greenlist' Enables Eco-Friendly, Cost-Effective P2P Returns
Integrated Influencer Marketing Platforms
SocialTalk Helps Users Discover, Track, and Connect
Zero-Waste Voucher Solutions
On-us Launches New Technology for Sustainable Event Engagement
Financial Support Apps
'Cleo' is Helping Gen Z Feel More Confident About Money
Pattern-Heavy Fashion Collections
KAHINDO is Made Ethically, with an Emphasis on Size Inclusion
Short-Form Video Platforms
YouTube is Updating its 'Shorts' Service with New Monetization Options
Secondhand Fashion Editorials
Vinted Styled a Shoot Exclusively with Vinted Finds
Gen Z-Specific Numberless Cards
Fibe and Axis Bank Team Up to Launch a Numberless Credit Card
Privacy-Focused Budgeting Apps
The 'Apollo' Personal Finance App Streamlines Money Tracking
Green Medium-Density Developments
Brahn Smillie-Fearn Consolidates Built & Natural Environments
Instant Retail Savings Platforms
formi by Patron Points Offers Universal Savings for Shoppers
Rejuvenated Former Bank Buildings
This Dutch Building Now Boasts Solar Panels & Insect Hotels
Coastal-Themed Fall Streetwear
Banks Journal Presents its Latest Designs for the FW22 Season
Simple B2B Payment Apps
Hopscotch Enables "Instant, Fee-free Payments for Small Businesses"
Product Maker Launch Platforms
MicroLaunch Offers a Streamlined Avenue for Feedback
Forest-Protecting Fashion Brand Initiatives
Canopy Leads an Initiative So Save the Forests
Origami-Inspired Solar Panels
Sego Innovations Develops a New Foldable and Portable Solar Panel
Gen Z Anti-Loneliness Funds
Hinge Combats Loneliness for Gen Z - $1M Fund
Reloadable Contactless Keychains
Zara is Replacing Single-Use Gift Cards with Keychains
Pioneering Secondhand Search Engines
Beni Dominates Resale Marketplace with Innovative App
Gen Z Sustainability Initiatives
Puma's Voices of a RE:GENERATION is a Project with Changemakers
Stress Reduction Finance Apps
The 'MoneyCoach' App Takes the Anxiety Out of Money Management
Gen Z Budgeting Platforms
Buddy and Klarna Teamed Up to Support Gen Z Financial Health
Rewarding Money Apps
Shakepay Has an Innovative Reward System for Digital Currencies
Influencer Search Apps
Mavn Connects Influencers with Their Favorite Brands for Paid Opportunities
Sustainable Fashion Certification Services
Loro Piana Customers Can Track Product Eco-Friendliness
Comforting Financial Pop-Ups
Experian's Credit Paws Café is a Place to Chat About Money Worries
AI Green Financing Platforms
Singapore's AI Initiative for Sustainable Finance in Real Estate
Loneliness-Combating Social Campaigns
Hinge Launches the New One More Hour Campaign and Fund
P2P Clothing Rental Platforms
Sizters: Rent & Lend Fashion Provides Luxury Wardrobes to Rent
E-Bike Charging Partnerships
BikeFlex Partnered with Solarcycle on Renewable Bike Charging
Bank-Enabled Payment Rings
Intesa Sanpaolo is Introducing a New Contactless Payment Ring
Apparel Brand Industry Expansions
'Reebok' is Expanding to Enter the Micro-Mobility Space
Affordable Payment Acceptance Devices
Pine Labs Launches the 'Mini' QR Device with Card Acceptance
Slow Fashion Apps
Bandi's "New Year Reuseolution" Challenges Participants Not to Buy New Clothes
AI-Driven Financial Education Games
Money Smarts Unveils AI Financial Game on Indiegogo
Accessible Mixed-Reality Media
Chapter 2 Welcomes New Society to Revolutionize the Media Frontier
Incubator Fashion Programs
SHEIN Celebrates 2nd Anniversary of Flagship Incubator Program SHEIN X
Battery Rental Services
Swobbee Launches an Online Marketplace for Rental Batteries
Freelance Payment Platforms
Revolt Launches New Finance App Dedicated to Self-Employed Workers
Kid-Focused Finance Apps
ABN Amro Launches a Financial Literacy App for Children
Responsible Lending Platforms
Enova is a Financial Tech Platform Making Credit More Accessible
Personal Shopping Assistants
Klarna Debuts a More Personalized Shopping Feature Dubbed Ask Klarna
Employee-Focused Finance Programs
Claro Money Launches a Financial Wellbeing Package for Employees
Community-Driven Clothing Companies
'Bombas' Makes a Donation for Each Item Purchased
Compact Payment Devices
Dojo Releases a Pocket-Sized Card Machine for Convenient Table Payments
Visual Payment Apps
Vizme Turns the Experience of Sending or Spending Money Into Stories
Comprehensive Finance Management Apps
Coop Launches a New Super App with Embedded Finance
Online Sustainable Fashion Toolkits
Fashion Takes Action Features an Important Resource
Affordable Lifestyle Directories
'I Have This Friend' Makes Aspirational Living More Accessible
Microfiber Upcycling Methods
Xeros Debuts a Research Initiative for Upcycling Plastic Microfibers
Family-Focused Credit Cards
The Greenlight Family Cash MasterCard Helps Families Build Credit
Global Money-Transferring Apps
HSBC Unveils its Inclusive 'Zing' App and Debit Card in the UK
Interconnected Messaging Ecosystems
Whatsapp to Introduce Support for Messages Third-Party Apps
Secure Card Recycling Systems
Mastercard and HSBC are Making the Card Industry More Sustainable
Gamified Budgeting Apps
Bread Budgeting Makes Budgeting Fun By Integrating Challenges
UAE-Based Digital Wallets
UAE’s Mbank Collaborates with Dgpays for Digital Wallet Offering
Gen Z-Targeted Credit-Building Tools
Austin Capital Bank Launches the Freekck Credit Builder
Business-Oriented Visa Cards
Veem Releases a New Virtual Visa Card for SMEs with Zero Fees
Hyper-Local Gifting Communities
On the Buy Nothing Project App, Everything is Given Freely
Delightful Recurring Payment Apps
The 'm0nthly' App Offers Mindful Money Management
Contactless Mobile Payments
Intesa Sanpaolo Teams Up with Nexi to Launch the SoftPOS Application
Inspirational Learning Management Tools
'Get Inspired' Offers Digestible Snippets of Content
Teen-Targeted Banking Features
Verizon Launches 'Family Money' For Gen Z and Gen Alpha Bankers
Expanded Cross-Border Payments
Visa Announces the Expansion of its Visa+ Program for US Customers
Financial Literacy Platforms
Secret U Supports Gen Z Women with Free Tools for Financial Success
SaaS Influencer Marketing Tools
Beeing Social Launches 'Buzz Bee Buzz' for Influencer Marketing
India-Based Investment Platforms
KoTak Mutual Fund Launches a Technology Fund for Investors
Affordable Eco-friendly FemCare
MildCares Offers Products that Support Female Health
Influencer Marketing Agencies
NYMA Embraces Influencer Marketing as a Part of its Core Offerings
Affordable BNPL Programs
Apple Introduces the Apple Pay Later Program to US Market
Supportive Entrepreneurial Communities
The Zenpreneur Community Provides Resources and Support
African Digital Wallet Platforms
Union54 Launches a New Social Commerce Platform Called ChitChat
Global Money-Managing Apps
Zing Empowers Users to Send Money Internationally, Worry-Free
Democratized Financial Service Tools
Plaid Aims to Make Financial Services More Accessible
Integrated Business Banking Tools
PennyFlo Streamlines Financial Management for Businesses
Empowering Lambani-Designed Accessories
Banjara Kasuti Introduces the New Lambani Looms Collection
Kid-Friendly Financial Support Apps
Goaly Offers Financial Lessons for Kids and Their Parents
Teen-Focused Prepaid Cards
Teen and Tween Prepaid Card App Savii Launches in the UAE
App-Based Employee Payments
Instant Financial Automates Access to Employee Wages with New App
Efficient Micro Habit Apps
Micro Habits Breaks Goals into Smaller Steps
Subscription-Based ROI Codes
Cashfree Payments and NPCI Team Up to Launch 'AutoPay on QR'
Sustainability-Focused Building Renovations
Climate Group Launches the Renovation Revolution
Multi-Currency Payment Tools
FinXP Recruits Mastercard to Debut Cross-Border Payment Solutions
India-Based Refurbishing Brands
ReFit Global Sources Phones for Affordable Second-Hand Reselling
Account Aggregation Micro-Apps
PhonePe Launches the New Account Aggregator Service for Clients
Global P2P Transfer Services
Eco Inc Unveils Beam, a P2P Crypto Transfer Service
Empowering Financial Management Apps
Windfall Makes Money Tracking and Management Easy
Circular Garment Repair Services
Nanushka Launches a Garment Repair Service with Sojo
Personalized Payment Requests
FreedomPay and Prommt Unite to Deliver Secure Personalized Payments
Asian Monetization Platforms
TipTip Helps Southeast Asian Creators Monetize Their Content
Community Borrowing Apps
Borrow Encourages Neighbours to Interact and Share
Affordable Money Transfer Campaigns
Paysend's New Ad Campaign Targets Hispanic Consumers in the US
Business E-Money Services
Greengage Debuts a E-Money Service for Businesses to Handle Money Easily
In-App Subscription-Canceling Features
Mastercard and Subaio Streamline Subscription-Canceling
Comprehensive Indian Payment Tools
BharatPe Unveils the Country's First All-in-One Payment Device
Friendship-Focused Finance Agreements
'Friends Over Money' Let's You Make Agreements with Friends
Digital Commercial Payment Apps
Mastercard Unveils the Mobile Virtual Card App for Businesses
Organized Listed Article Platforms
The Pocket Service Unveils a Plethora of New Features
Africa-Focused Finance Apps
Orange Launches the New Super-App 'Max It' for African Markets
Educational CSR Initatives
Shimanto Bank Contributes to Bangladesh's Education Assistance Trust
Streamlined Financial Management Platforms
Ayden Simplifies Payments, Data, and Fraud Detection
Streamlined Start-Up Job Searching
Startup Jobs by Binh Pham is a Community for Job Seekers