Last year my church ran a presentation about this "micro-lending" work. It is way cool. It doesn't take much money to set someone up in a small business in much of the "third world". Shoe makers, vendors, artisans - these were the people who would borrow a couple of thousand $ or so and get themselves started. Had a good success rate and was making money on the loans (the rates are quite low). I remember thinking at the time I saw this that the person who thought this up and then had the courage to actually try it ought to get some real recognition for doing good in the world. I guess he has.
these were the people who would borrow a couple of thousand $ or so and get themselves started