I'm a big fan of Kiva, a web site where you can lend small amounts of money to hard working entrepreneurs in developing nations.
My experience has been very good so far; all of the money I've loaned has either been paid back completely or is getting close. Most people recycle the money that's paid back, which is what I intend to do in the next couple of weeks.
If you're interested, check out my Kiva loan portfolio. I encourage you to try Kiva too!
Graham you got me started on Kiva.org (through Mike Cannon-Brookes) almost a year ago, and I have since made 12 loans (http://www.kiva.org/lender/staffordvaughan) and just recently received my first fully repayed loan. I can't wait to re-invest in another Kiva business.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: Stafford Vaughan | Nov 27, 2007 at 03:36 PM
Hi Stafford,
It's great that you joined Kiva and have already helped a bunch of entrepreneurs! It's a lot of fun, isn't it!
Cheers,
Graham
Posted by: Graham Glass | Nov 27, 2007 at 05:06 PM
I too learned of Kiva.org on this very blog! This reminds me to check on the Bulgarian Worm Farm I loaned money to... Hey, it's repaying on schedule. What a great system.
Posted by: Mason | Nov 27, 2007 at 06:04 PM
http://www.facebook.com/apps/application.php?api_key=27e2c888a4e196abd020fb3974624de4
This kiva application allows users to make loans to businesses in developing countries for free. Add the application and select the business(es) you want to support by adding the business(es) profile(s) to your Facebook page (you generate a donation of 0,50 dollars each time you add a business profile). You don't pay anything, it's free for you.
http://www.freewebs.com/clickforcharity
Posted by: moi | Dec 22, 2007 at 06:47 AM