kiva – loans that change lives

Steve & I love being entrepreneurs.  Even though we work way more than 40 hours a week, it’s very exciting and gratifying to watch our business change and grow.

So when I read about this great organization called Kiva in our Entrepreneur Magazine I was excited to see how I could help entrepreneurs in other countries grow their business.

This is how it works: Kiva lets you connect with and loan money to unique small businesses in the developing world. By choosing a business on Kiva.org, you can "sponsor a business" and help the world’s working poor make great strides towards economic independence. Throughout the course of the loan (usually 6-12 months), you can receive email journal updates from the business you’ve sponsored. As loans are repaid, you get your loan money back.

This past summer I donated a sum of money to Pulperia Blanca to help her start selling meat in her grocery store located in Honduras.  Since then she has paid back half the loan and I plan on recycling my original donation to help another business.

Steve & I have been so blessed with the success of our company; I feel this is a great way to give back to those who are striving to do the same.

If you’re looking for an alternative holiday gift for a fellow entrepreneur, a Kiva gift card is a great idea.