I was reading over the Kiva newsletter and came across Buildkiva.org, which is the introduction of a new API where developers can find new and creative ways to expland what Kiva is already doing.  I’ve seen some great stuff come from developers working on things in their spare time and tech companies, so I can’t wait to see what happens when those ideas get applied to microfinance.
For any developers out there who want to work on microfinance stuff in addition to Kiva, we are always looking for volunteers to help us build a bigger and better community here at myKRO

Microfinance lending platforms are part of a new wave of innovative websites that help connect people like you and me with entrepreneurs around the world.  I’m sure it’s no secret which platform I prefer, however, I like to give each up and coming platform a fair trial, so I always like to highlight any new platforms so that people can make their own decision.
Last week, LendForPeace.org was officially launched by four students from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.  Here’s a few words from the founders themselves:

“Using our site, you can make a loan directly to a vetted micro-entrepreneur in the West Bank.  We work with US government-approved microfinance institutions on the ground to deliver your capital along with training and guidance to low-income individuals who are interested in starting or expanding their own small businesses.  Your loan is repaid over a set period of time as your micro-entrepreneur builds economic self-sufficiency and a stake in peace.
Founded by two Jews and two Palestinians, LendforPeace.org (“LFP”) was created to enable people of all faiths and backgrounds to make a tangible difference in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.  To learn more about our mission, read a Message from the Founders.”

LendForPeace is a pretty straight forward lending platform that gets right to the point, and doesn’t require a lot of hoops to jump through.  For people that are newer to microfinance lending, this is a huge plus because they won’t be distracted from what they are trying to do.  I am also a huge fan of microfinance platforms that focus on certain geographic regions.  Similar to Wokai’s bold move in China, LendForPeace focuses primarily in the Palestinian territories, which as we all know in quite the hotspot.
Ryan Hogarth, from Microcapital.org, goes into depth about LendForPeace in his article “MICROCAPITAL STORY: A Kiva-like Internet Microfinance Brokerage “Lend-for-Peace” is Founded for Palestine.”

At first glance, LendForPeace.org seems very promising.  I am excited to make my first loan and to see what kind of impact it can have.  If anybody has any feedback or would like to share an experience with LendForPeace.org, feel free to let us all know.

Learn more microfinance lending platforms.