Extreme Saving

Regular readers will know I'm a huge fan of Kiva - the micro-lending organisation. So here's a selection of small business in the developing world to hopefully inspire you to lend a small amount of cash:

San Marcos Group : Paraguay

$1,775 of $2,550 raised.

Started raising funds on Jan 23, 2012

The “San Marcos” communal bank, with 11 members, is currently in its 6th loan cycle with the Fundación Paraguaya’s Program for Enterprising Women. The members of this bank are very active women, well known in the neighborhood for their unity and team work. Sra. Julia is a member who is fully dedicated to her work and to meeting her obligations. She spends every day weaving bedspreads in her home and has succeeded in supporting her family with this work. She tells us that everything she does is to provide a different life style for them. Julia is requesting a loan to purchase yarn, needles, dyes and other items that she always uses in her woven goods. She explains that she sees in KIVA and Fundación Paraguaya a great opportunity for her to succeed.

Jean Damascene : Rwanda

$850 of $850 raised.

Started raising funds on Jan 23, 2012

Jean Damascene is 30 years old. He has three children who are aged between 1 and 6 years. He owns a shop which he has been running for the past few years. Jean Damascene wants the loan to buy more items to sell such as sugar, salt, rice and many home use products. He plans to use the profits for savings.

Hannan : Israel

$1,475 of $1,875 raised.

Started raising funds on Jan 23, 2012

Hannan is a 23-year-old woman who never finished high school but is determined to create a better future. She learned to raise animals and has now opened a business raising sheep. She buys baby ewes, raises healthy sheep and resells them at a good profit. She took this loan to purchase additional sheep and ewes. Hannan wants to see her business activity expand and eventually begin selling meat.