only 10% of the money will make it into the hands of the women starting up the businessesMicro-credit organizations such as the Grameen Bank (the concept's pioneer) and Heifer International have an excellent track record in helping poor women become economically self-sufficient. The World Bank? Not so much ... that's more about shuffling funds to those who are already well-off and connected.
Micro finance is ingenious. The lender brings capital to a GROUP of entrepreneurs in a village/town. The monthly due diligence is held in that group so that joint support (and shame) serves as a glue to tamp down default and loss. It works incredibly well if DONE WELL.
There is little difference between the woman running a dog walking business and a man running an RV dealership. They usually do it without government graft. I'd rather see regulations cut that serve as a barrier to entry than a $50MM fund, but it's better than porkulu (though I would rather see private capital at play.
