I Just Did the Coolest Thing!

[Sherri]

I just invested $200 on Kiva.com - a website where people (like me) can loan small amounts to struggling entrepreneurs in other countries. I just loaned $50 each to three women in Tanzania and one in Uganda, with businesses ranging from charcoal sales to catering. When the money is repaid, in 10-12 months, I can either take the money back or reinvest it in other people. A young couple started Kiva in 2004 and it has become a huge micro-loan company done totally through the internet.

So many people in these countries cannot get conventional loans because they have no collateral or no previous history. Try to imagine a sheepherder, carrying a traditional spear and dressed in a red plaid blanket, going into a bank and asking for money. Not happening! But they can get online and apply for a business loan and be funded by several people more forunate. What a great idea!! Wish I'd thought of it!