GIVING BACKWe regularly deal with people who are just starting out in business. There's a lot to do when starting your own business and it can be a frustrating and challenging time. However, in comparison to other countries, it is relatively easy to start a business in Australia. So we decided to lend a hand to entrepreneurs in countries where it's not so easy to start a business. We do this through Kiva.
Kiva's mission is to connect people through lending for the sake of alleviating poverty. Kiva is the world's first person-to-person micro-lending website, empowering individuals to lend directly to unique entrepreneurs in the developing world.
The people you see on Kiva's site are real individuals in need of funding - not marketing material. When you browse entrepreneurs' profiles on the site, choose someone to lend to, and then make a loan, you are helping a real person make great strides towards economic independence and improving life for themselves, their family, and their community. Throughout the course of the loan (usually 6-12 months), you can receive email journal updates and track repayments. Then, when you get your loan money back, you can relend to someone else in need.
