Microenterprise Update
Rob Katz explains the difference between the newest web-based microfinance institution, MicroPlace and the very popular Kiva, also a web-based microfinance organization. Kiva was established in 2005 and has received much media attention. Microplace and Kiva have very similar peer-to-peer lending models. However, Katz explains that while Kiva is a NGO, MicroPlace had the resources (with backing from Ebay), to become a SEC-registered broker/dealer. Because of this, lenders on Kiva only receive their loans back - without interest. MicroPlace, as a broker/dealer, can pay interest to lenders and are backed by securities.
Read more at
http://www.nextbillion.net/blogs/2007/10/24/kiva-vs-microplace-whats-the-difference.
Unitus Holds Summit to Unite Microfinance, Business, and Philanthropic Leaders
Unitus, Inc. a leader in implementing new strategies to help the world's poor, held the Unitus Leadership Summit. Unitus invited Pierre Omidyar, an eBay founder and founding partner of Omidyar Network, and Matt Bannick, partner of Omidyar Network and former president of eBay, to provide their insights to the Summit attendees. The Summit's discussion sessions focused on strategy, technology, financing, and business efficiency. Conversations focused on the need to lower operating costs, the importance of developing new products and services to meet the growing needs of the poor, and opportunities to utilize private capital in the microfinance sector. Also discussed was the opportunity for microfinance institutions to provide other products and services, such as healthcare and clean water. Summit attendees ranged from start-ups to highly experienced organizations. All attendees had powerful lessons to share from their experiences fighting poverty.
Read more at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2007/11/prweb565821.htm
Read more at
http://www.nextbillion.net/blogs/2007/10/24/kiva-vs-microplace-whats-the-difference.
Unitus Holds Summit to Unite Microfinance, Business, and Philanthropic Leaders
Unitus, Inc. a leader in implementing new strategies to help the world's poor, held the Unitus Leadership Summit. Unitus invited Pierre Omidyar, an eBay founder and founding partner of Omidyar Network, and Matt Bannick, partner of Omidyar Network and former president of eBay, to provide their insights to the Summit attendees. The Summit's discussion sessions focused on strategy, technology, financing, and business efficiency. Conversations focused on the need to lower operating costs, the importance of developing new products and services to meet the growing needs of the poor, and opportunities to utilize private capital in the microfinance sector. Also discussed was the opportunity for microfinance institutions to provide other products and services, such as healthcare and clean water. Summit attendees ranged from start-ups to highly experienced organizations. All attendees had powerful lessons to share from their experiences fighting poverty.
Read more at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2007/11/prweb565821.htm
posted by Katalysis at 2:39 PM
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