Microfinance

Kiva is an example of another great idea that uses the Internet to take its impact to the next level.

It's a program that facilitates microloans (tiny loans to poor entrepreneurs) from anyone with an internet connection to banks that loan the funds to would-be entrepreneurs living in poverty. Kiva allows every one of us to become grassroots stakeholders in the battle to end poverty.

Kiva, which means "unity" in Swahili, is connecting people across the planet and creating a global community of people committed to ended poverty. Today, Kiva facilitates about one loan every 30 seconds, and has provided over $100 million in loans to qualified entrepreneurs since it opened its doors.

Kiva is a great example of what can happen when active citizens tackles pressing social issues with cutting-edge technology.