Plugging Kiva again

All, I've posted previously in support of micro-financing and Kiva. Per the site: "Kiva lets you connect with and loan money to unique small businesses in the developing world." (Here's more on how it works)

As was looking through the site I came upon a startling figure showing how difficult it must be to grow a business in the developing world. In the countries where Kiva disperses its loans the average annual local money lender rate is 76%! For the organizations that Kiva sponsors that average annual rate is lowered to 14%.

Could you imagine going to the bank and trying to get a loan at 76%? I doubt there would be much - if any - business expansion if every entrepreneur faced lending rates that high. It is a major hurdle to economic opportunity.

If you haven't already, I encourage you to check out Kiva and consider giving an interest free loan that can make a significant difference. And here's the other thing - hopefully when the loan is repaid you can loan it out again - it's sustainable.