When it comes to starting a business, securing the necessary funds is often one of the biggest challenges. While micro finances have gained popularity as a way to support startups, they might not be the ideal option for every entrepreneur. In this article, we will delve into five alternative funding sources that can provide you
Exploring Alternative Funding Sources for Business Startups Read More »
Microfinance has been gaining popularity as an effective tool for financial inclusion and poverty alleviation. With over 1.7 billion people still unbanked worldwide, microfinance provides access to financial services to those who are excluded from the traditional banking system. But who exactly can benefit from microfinance, and how does it impact their lives? In this
The Impact of Microfinance: Who is Eligible to Receive Microcredit? Read More »
Introduction In recent years, microfinance has been widely touted as a powerful tool for poverty alleviation and financial inclusion. However, it is essential to recognize that microfinance is not a one-size-fits-all solution. This article delves into the lesser-known negative aspects of microfinance, analyzing potential pitfalls, and suggesting precautions to minimize harm to borrowers and communities.
Unveiling the Dark Side of Microfinance: Pitfalls and Precautions Read More »
Microfinance has emerged as a powerful tool in the fight against poverty by providing access to financial services for those who are traditionally excluded from the formal banking sector. Microfinance institutions (MFIs) have been instrumental in providing loans, savings accounts, and other financial services to millions of people worldwide. In recognition of this vital work,
The Month of Microfinance Goals: Advancing Financial Inclusion for All Read More »
Microfinance is a financial service that provides small loans, savings, and insurance to low-income individuals and small businesses who lack access to traditional banking services. The goal of microfinance is to help people lift themselves out of poverty by providing them with the financial tools they need to start or grow a business, improve their
Does Microfinance Help People Break Free of Poverty? Read More »
Introduction This guide is for you if you’re looking for a new investment opportunity or are just curious about how microfinance works. In it, we’ll explain how microfinance can benefit everyone involved—from investors and lenders to borrowers. Whether you want to learn more about the benefits of microloans and savings accounts or get started in
What is Microfinance, and how to get involved? Read More »
Although there are countless heartwarming success stories ranging from micro-entrepreneurs starting their own water supply business in Tanzania, to a $1,500 loan that allowed a family to open a barbecue restaurant in China, to immigrants in the U.S. being able to build their own businesses, microfinance has sometimes fallen under criticism. While microfinance interest rates are
The For-Profit Controversy Read More »
The market for microinsurance in Bangladesh has been growing rapidly over the last 10 years, with over 25 million subscribers. Yet it is still met with skepticism among many poor microfinance clients. As of this January, BRAC, in partnership with Guardian Life Insurance Company, joined the market making its Credit Shield Insurance product available nationwide to
MAKING MICROINSURANCE WORK IN BANGLADESH: THREE TAKEAWAYS Read More »
Julia Kurnia is the founder of Zidisha, the first online community to enable direct person-to-person lending to entrepreneurs in developing countries without local intermediary banks. We had our first Q&A with her last year. You can find her on facebook and twitter. What makes a person-to-person lending platform so unique in the microfinance world? Person-to-person lending platforms like Zopa, Prosper and Lending Club have reduced
Q & A WITH THE FOUNDER OF ZIDISHA – PART 2 Read More »
Let’s make sure one thing is super clear: Seeds is not a charity. We’re not a charity, we’re not a nonprofit, we’re not an NGO. While we think many of those organizations are rad, we don’t belong in those categories. In fact, we don’t even think those categories always apply — we’re moving towards a world where these rigid
WE’RE NOT A F%$&@*! CHARITY :) Read More »