Fofoa Ekuata is a plantation owner in Samoa. She needs US$ 875/- to buy a box of Cramoxon, a pest management system. She is asking for help via Kiva.org, a website where anyone can be a banker to the poor.
It's not charity, it's investment. Entrepreneurs vetted by on-ground NGOs are presented on Kiva. Lender give small loans - as small as US$ 25. A pool of lenders fulfills the entire need of the entrepreneur. Progress is monitored. Once profitable, the borrowers start paying back. Lenders can withdraw or loan again. The loan cycle remains in motion. Everybody wins.
This scheme has worked beautifully for many. Hak Sophan, a woman caterer from Combodia, borrowed US$ 700 for house repair in April 2006. She has since repaired her house, and invested US$ 200 in her business. She has paid back the loan in full.
So you don't have to wait to be Muhammad Younus to help the poor. Log on to Kiva.org, pick an entrepreneur, read their story, and start lending away through your credit card!
Microfinance Investing
Kiva.org Lets You Become a Banker to the Poor
Trend Themes
1. Microfinance - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore new ways to expand access to microfinance services, such as through digital platforms or mobile apps.
2. Peer-to-peer Lending - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop a peer-to-peer lending platform that connects lenders directly with borrowers, eliminating the need for traditional financial institutions.
3. Social Impact Investing - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create innovative financial products that allow investors to generate both financial returns and positive social impact, promoting sustainable development.
Industry Implications
1. Financial Technology (fintech) - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate microfinance services into digital banking platforms, enabling individuals to easily access and participate in micro-lending.
2. Social Entrepreneurship - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Support the growth of social enterprises that focus on providing microfinance solutions to underserved communities, fostering economic empowerment.
3. Impact Investing - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop investment vehicles that allow individuals and institutions to invest in microfinance projects, democratizing access to impact investing opportunities.