Mainstream Micro-Lending

Charities take a backseat to doing social good through microloans

Implications - It only takes a small amount of money from individuals part of a much larger collective to have a big impact on the world. The most appealing aspect to micro-lending to the public isn't just that it's low risk (the large majority of loans are paid back), but the more personal & communal aspect of micro-lending.

Trend Themes

  1. Microcredit From High Net Worth Individuals — High net worth individuals are starting to lend their assets to microfinance companies, providing a new source of capital and an ethical way to use their assets.
  2. Crowdfunding for Loans — Crowdfunding websites dedicated to loans are emerging and providing individuals with an alternative to traditional institutions while also creating opportunities for new funding sources.
  3. People-focused Finance — Financial institutions are emerging with a triple bottom line philosophy that focuses on investing in people, the environment, and the arts and culture.

Industry Implications

  1. Microfinance Industry — Microfinance companies can develop partnerships with high net worth individuals to provide an ethical source of capital or utilize crowdfunding platforms to access new sources of funding.
  2. Peer-to-peer Lending Industry — Crowdfunding websites offer new opportunities for individuals to obtain loans, disrupting traditional lending models and creating innovative funding sources.
  3. Socially Conscious Jewelry Industry — Jewelry companies can create socially conscious lines that have a dual purpose: benefiting disadvantaged communities and cultures while offering unique and aesthetically pleasing accessories.
4.3
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
6 Featured, 54 Examples:
180,137 Total Clicks
Date Range:
Apr 13 — Dec 14
Trending:
Average

Featured Examples

Philanthropic Textbook Businesses
Philanthropic Textbook Businesses
Textbooks for Change Aims to Help Entrepreneurs Worldwide
Textbooks for Change is an Ontario-based company dedicated to bringing about a positive difference in the world by selling and donating used textbooks. Chris Janssen started this social good... MORE
Microloan-Funding Necklaces
Microloan-Funding Necklaces
The Female-Empowering Socially Conscious Accessories Contain Crystals
If you are looking for socially conscious accessories to give as gifts this holiday season, the LOVE necklace from Bird & Stone is an elegant choice that directly helps women in developing... MORE
People-Focused Finance
People-Focused Finance
Triodos Bank Adheres to the Triple Bottom Line
If you think banks are part of the problem, take a look at Triodos Bank, a financial institution that attempts to do things differently. They’re not only focused on money—they invest in... MORE
play_circle_filledPeer Support Entrepreneurship
Peer Support Entrepreneurship
Village Capital Attempts to Democratize Enterprises
Village Capital is an organization that aims to support entrepreneurship through democratic means and peer support. ” Inspired by the ‘village bank’ in microfinance, we convene and support... MORE
Guarantor Model Capital
Guarantor Model Capital
MicroCredit Enterprises Uses the Funds of People with a High Net Worth
“MicroCredit Enterprises’ guarantor model enables me to use my assets to help some of the poorest people in the world—while retaining and managing my portfolio,” Gregory S.... MORE
play_circle_filledCrowdfunded Loan Platforms
Crowdfunded Loan Platforms
The 'hellomerci' Platform Helps You Get a Loan While Avoiding the Bank
Taking inspiration from sites such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo, the ‘hellomerci’ platform is using crowdfunding to help you get a loan. The online platform aims to help you circumvent... MORE

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