Suggest entrepreneurs to lend to

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Marcus Peacock on February 6, 2009 at 11:37am

I don't have a particular suggestion. They tend to turnover pretty quickly. I'd be interested, however, in knowing what sort of criteria people use to select entrepreneurs. I tend to prefer:

1. Field partners with at least 4 stars (5 is the max).
2. Single or groups of women (they are more likely the victims of discrimination plus they have a lower default rates)
3. Countries that generally have or are working toward a democratic free market where there is less likelihood of govt officials benefitting through bribery, theft, etc.
4. Where my loan helps get someone the last few yards so they can get the funding disbursed sooner.
5. Where the loan goes to expand an already going concern as opposed to a start-up or one-off.

Permalink Reply by Robert Wuhrman on March 26, 2009 at 11:36pm

1. My areas of personal and professional interest are Health, Energy, Agriculture, Education, and the Environment. So, I tend to scan the field for entrepreneurs whose efforts fall under one of those categories and will walk away to return at another time if there's nothing that falls under one of those umbrellas. Things being what they are the overwhelming trend is for my loans to go to Agriculture and food producers since they are in such abundance on the site, and that's just fine with me. I've had a couple that can reasonably be categorized under Environment (recycling), Health (a small pharmacy), Energy (an electrician), or Education (a group of teachers).

2. If I see an entrepreneur from Iraq or Afghanistan, w/o question they get preferential treatment regardless of what industry they're involved in. Unfortunately, I don't see enough of them.

3. For the country, absolutely if it's a nation with which I'm not as familiar, I do some brief research on their political state of affairs, and consider their alliances and leadership and their posture towards the United States. So far, I've not found anything disconcerting.

4. For rating, I do prefer 4 or 5. However, have loaned to a 3 if there's something in the borrower's story or eyes that resonates with me (mother wanted funding to build a house, had 3 children not in school, with husband gone). I'd agree that 3's are pretty rare for me as well though.

5. All other things being equal, if someone is on their 2nd or 3rd Kiva loan that is also a plus since they have a proven history.

6. Lastly, I try to maintain a fair balance between women and men, as well as geographic diversity. It's nice that Kiva will also track this for you at the bottom of your lender profile page.

Permalink Reply by Jeffrey Levy on February 9, 2009 at 5:11pm

Those all make sense to me, Marcus! This really isn't a top-down thing, so I hope others will consider your criteria as they make loans.

Permalink Reply by Elizabeth Rosas on February 27, 2009 at 4:54pm

This group does not need much more to complete their loan - I like that they are mutually guaranteeing each others' loans... and one of them is requesting funds for mobile phones: Khalida parveen M. Munir Group

Permalink Reply by John Sporing on March 23, 2009 at 3:13pm

I just helped fund this person--Azucena Baneo De Rodriguez.

Permalink Reply by John Sporing on June 15, 2009 at 7:15am

Hey folks,

Lets try to get this Kiva group moving again. Below is a loan I just made, I hope you will join me completing her funding:

Ayawa AGOU is a lady who works in the food catering business. She has a restaurant not far from the Adidogomé market. She makes Togolese dishes, such as fufu made from yams and pâte made from corn. Her dishes are much appreciated by her customers. The goods necessary for her restaurant business are exhausted, so she wants to stock up again and is requesting her second loan from WAGES to buy ten piles of yams, five sacks of corn, and various other food items. She is married and the mother of two children.

Remember to also join the GovLoop group on Kiva and post any other loans you make here so we can all help out.

Permalink Reply by Alan Pruitt on July 29, 2009 at 7:19pm

I don't mind sharing my Kiva lending portfolio with this group/GovLoop. I have reinvested the same $300 initial investment many times over.

http://www.kiva.org/lender/alanpruitt

I counsel rural entrepreneurs everyday and Kiva is one way to put my money where my mouth is.

Not one single default -- ever -- in my portfolio.

Alan Pruitt
http://www.awcsbdcblog.com
http://www.waeddblog.info

Permalink Reply by John Sporing on August 8, 2009 at 9:54am

Thanks for sharing your portfolio. Please feel free to suggest new loans for where GovLoop can participate.

Permalink Reply by Al Fullbright on July 1, 2009 at 12:36pm

While supporting the efforts of small entrepreneurs in other countries might be chic, it seems we could be doing a lot more with micro-loans and advisement right here in this country. When I was thirty five, I found my own employment as a Bricklayer by freelancing. I needed a Mortar Mixing Machine..............When I became disabled, I couldn't qualify for any help getting a computer.............I know mechanics without tools, painters without ladders, and a slew of people who need vehicles for their little enterprizes. Bad economy has ruined many people. Credit has been shattered amoung the people who need the small loans. When will the average guy be able to borrow small amounts of money without paying high interest rates?

Permalink Reply by Alan Pruitt on July 29, 2009 at 7:22pm

Kiva.org just started its US micro-lending program.

View (Atlanta GA) sample here:

http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id...

Also, check out Kiva's FAQ in "Loans in the United States" and Subcategories @
http://www.kiva.org/about/help

Permalink Reply by Penny Cooper on December 18, 2009 at 10:58am

Like Robert, I am interested in doing whatever we can to help those in Iraq and Afghanistan. There is a two-pronged benefit here -- we help those truly in need while we support counterinsurgency efforts. Having recently read "Three Cups of Tea", "Stones into Schools" and "Half the Sky", I believe women should receive priority over men. I know for some that may be an unpopular concept, but studies show that helping women does more to help the community. I am sympathetic to the poor and out-of-work in this country, however, I don't believe "our poor" are without opportunities.