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Nearly one year ago I had the opportunity to view a program on the Kiva way of life. I was impressed with the notion of helping both young and old entrepreneurs get a kick-start into the business world; though most businesses I helped fund were via graduated expansion loans. When I was selecting clients, I couldn’t help but think about how past generations in my family had taken the same risks these clients were taking to start a personal business. Seeing the client certainly had an impact on my decision to contribute funds.

What influenced me the most was that the Kiva styled micro-lending environment is an excellent financial resource for small family business communities and a much better alternative than having to seek the likes of a typical “loan shark”. Due to the risky nature of most small ventures there are few alternatives to acquire financing, especially when trying to keep the interest rates to manageable levels; Kiva sponsored funding provides this alternative.

In many senses, Kiva has the potential to become a social network and in many senses is already a pseudo social network. Not only are client listings and loan status available for viewing by potential lenders, but the lending families have become an extension of the loan itself, with lender profiles attached directly to the loan portfolio. Kiva lenders have the option to either populate their profile, sharing a picture and a few words of wisdom on becoming a lender, or maintain the right to remain anonymous with only a reference to their name and geographic location.

Social lending may be an excellent evolution for the Kiva styled micro-lending institution. Think about the potential social networks could play in expanding the funding tree of life when members share experiences and research within their lending communities. Social communication could more easily enable members to impact the region or need they are most compelled to support. Social networks would ultimately allow like minds of kindness to enhance the hope of the common person in need – and feel the sense of community at the same time.

I believe the current format within Kiva only list loan opportunities that are open and in need of funding. It would be interesting to be able to establish a personal portfolio that lists the interests or types of client or business a member would be willing to participate in funding. When a need or an opportunity arises that fits the members profile of interests an alert system could easily send a notification to their email. Not only will this type of notification system better serve the client by getting their loan in front of more lenders, the notification process may actually improve the influx of cash into the micro-lending institution by getting repeat lenders back to the network.

Nothing I’ve suggested for Kiva is evolutionary in concept but I hope my words influence you to at least imagine how the integration of common internet tools can change a business – see things in different ways and remember that we have the ability to influence the lives of others in this world. Check out Kiva, help be a positive influence on someone’s life by making a small loan, and most importantly, spread the word.

That was one insightful comment wiscjim.

I hope you continue to support the Kiva way of helping people. I’ve helped and haven’t regretted my decision to participate. I’m planning to lend even more money in the future.

Here is an update. So far, the two loans I made have been paid on time. The borrowers have been holding their end of the bargain. Once the loans are paid, I’ll add more to the pot and then recycle what’s already in the pot.