# Mainstream Micro-Lending Charities take a backseat to doing social good through microloans. By [Shelby Lee Walsh](https://www.trendhunter.com/shelby), President | Published Dec 17, 2014 | Category: [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/social-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/mainstream-micro-lending ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.3/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Mainstream Micro-Lending trend? **Mainstream Micro-Lending:** 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. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Apr 1, 2013 to Nov 21, 2014 - Published: Dec 17, 2014 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Instant Entrepreneurship](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/instant-entrepreneurship), [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Many to Many](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/many-to-many) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Mainstream Micro-Lending trend ### 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. ### 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. ### 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. ## What the Mainstream Micro-Lending trend means for industry ### For 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. ### For Peer-to-peer lending industry Crowdfunding websites offer new opportunities for individuals to obtain loans, disrupting traditional lending models and creating innovative funding sources. ### For 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. ## Trend signals for Mainstream Micro-Lending Trend score 4.3 out of 10, from popularity 77%, activity 45%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 77% - Activity: 45% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Mainstream Micro-Lending trend 6 featured examples from Apr 1, 2013 to Nov 21, 2014. - [Philanthropic Textbook Businesses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/textbooks-for-change): Textbooks for Change Aims to Help Entrepreneurs Worldwide (Category: Social Good) Implication: Innovative solutions for textbook redistribution can disrupt the traditional education industry by offering affordable and sustainable alternatives. - [Microloan-Funding Necklaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/socially-conscious-accessories): The Female-Empowering Socially Conscious Accessories Contain Crystals (Category: Social Good) Implication: The jewelry industry could explore similar ideas of sustainable sourcing and socially conscious production, which can appeal to ethically-minded consumers. - [People-Focused Finance](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/triodos-bank): Triodos Bank Adheres to the Triple Bottom Line (Category: Social Good) Implication: The financial services industry can shift towards investing in socially responsible initiatives to create a positive societal impact and differentiate itself from traditional fina… - [Peer Support Entrepreneurship](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/village-capital): Village Capital Attempts to Democratize Enterprises (Category: Social Good) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop innovative educational programs or platforms that integrate peer support and democratization principles to teach aspiring entrepreneurs. - [Guarantor Model Capital](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microcredit-enterprises): MicroCredit Enterprises Uses the Funds of People with a High Net Worth (Category: Social Good) Implication: The use of a guarantor model with high net worth individuals has the potential to revolutionize the microcredit industry by expanding its funding sources and reach. - [Crowdfunded Loan Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hellomerci-platform): The 'hellomerci' Platform Helps You Get a Loan While Avoiding the Bank (Category: Business) Implication: Traditional banks and credit unions need to innovate in order to compete with peer-to-peer lending platforms and crowdfunding options. ## Recent trend clusters - 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