Belmont University

A Credit Card Offer Worth Considering

I have written before about Kiva, "the world's first person-to-person micro-lending website, empowering individuals to lend directly to unique entrepreneurs in the developing world. Kiva's mission is to connect people through lending for the sake of alleviating poverty."

Advanta Corp. (issuers of credit cards to small business owners) and Kiva have now launched the KivaB4B Project, a joint initiative announced today that encourages small business owners and entrepreneurs in the U.S. to support entrepreneurs in developing countries. Through the initiative, Advanta customers can make grants -- using an Advanta business credit card -- to Kiva for entrepreneurs of their choice, and Advanta will match each grant, dollar for dollar, up to $200 per month per account.

"In our years of working with small business owners, we’ve found that many of them remember the moment someone gave them inspiration, some good advice, or a little cash to get things going," said Ami Kassar, Advanta's Chief Innovation Officer (also behind their popular ideablob.com site). "Now, through KivaB4B, American small business owners can offer that same ray of hope to entrepreneurs in developing countries."

"This project presents an incredible opportunity for entrepreneurs in the developing world," said Premal Shah, President of Kiva.

This is a really cool project that deserves consideration. I will be filling out my own application for a Kiva Card this week!


Posted by Jeff Cornwall on April 15, 2008 12:27 PM |

Comments

This sounds like a great chance for entrepreneurs and small business owners to extend an opportunity to others around world to also start and run businesses. For as little as ($25) what many of us may spend to eat out a meal can make a tremendous impact on an individual, their family, community and country. It's great to see Advanta and so many others involved in causes like this.

Birdied by: PlasticRewards | April 16, 2008 01:32 PM

Kiva is a wonderful organization and the credit card is an efficient and convenient way to set up a monthly plan.

Birdied by: Pat Bottino | April 21, 2008 08:57 PM

The Kiva B4B Project is indeed something more people need to be aware of. Not only is it a simple way to help out an inspiring business owner in another country, but it allows Advanta to MATCH any funds donated through their card program. The more you give, the more they give. It's a win-win situation and I'm glad to see Kiva opening up their efforts to allow other financial entities to play a part in helping 3rd world business owners.

Birdied by: business credit cards | May 27, 2008 09:13 AM

Tap it in and Comment, Please

Post a comment

(If you haven't left a comment here before, you may need to be approved by the site owner before your comment will appear. Until then, it won't appear on the entry. Thanks for waiting.)