$25

Back in 2007 saw the documentary by BYU called Small Fortunes about the subject of microcredit. If you ever get the chance to see it I highly recommend watching it. http://www.pbs.org/kbyu/smallfortunes/index.html

I then found out about a microloan/microcredit setup called Kiva.org.

While not perfect, microloans and microcredit are one of the most successful methods tried for helping people get out of poverty. The repayments of microloans and microcredit are very high, considerably higher than that of traditional loans to businesses. They have an advantage over traditional charity in that people are more likely to be lifted up out of poverty rather than getting just a handout that helps them for a short time, but not usually long term.

So I did my research on Kiva. Looking up online articles including news articles, blog posts, and reviews about them to make sure that they were legitimate, reputable, and that I felt comfortable with them.

I was excited about this way in which I could help entrepreneurs in impovrished or third world countries. The idea of helping entrepreneurs is important to me because I have long had my own dreams of starting a business. To help someone else who has the same dream is awesome. Depending on the part of the world you are loaning to, the loan may even be as small as $5 for someone to start their own business. Most women receiving these loans start their businesses because they want to improve the lives of their children, to feed them and clothe them, and help them to receive education.

So in August 2007 I lent the small amount of $25 to a woman in Mexico looking to expand her business, other lenders joined me to complete the rest of the amount she was asking for. I sent invites out to my friends about it and quickly got emails telling me I was probably falling for a scam.

So I just went about my life as usual. Periodically I would get updates telling of her progress and when she had repaid parts of her loan. And in February 2008 I received notice that her loan had been fully repaid. It was great to know I was able to help this woman and her family. I was then given the choice to receive my money back, or to re-loan it.

It's now four years later. Since it's once again August I find it fitting I have just received notice that another loan has been fully repaid. It has come full circle. That same $25 has now helped four women in four different countries to help them and their families out of poverty. Though it's not a lot I have now loaned $100 through Kiva...but always with that same $25.

So now I am about to search for yet another recipient for that $25 and hope that it will help them achieve their dreams as well, just as it has for these five (yes, I'm including me) women.