Last year, Kiva.org, one of the pioneers in micro-lending to international entrepreneurs, opened up its service to needy U.S. entrepreneurs, which caused some controversy. Since then, Kiva has facilitated more than $1 million in loans to U.S. small businesses. The new market has steadily gained its supporters, and today Kiva is launching a new partnership with Visa, who has contributed $1 million for a new fund that will issue loans to small business owners in the U.S.
This weekend, new Kiva users can go to Groupon.com/kiva to buy $25 of Kiva credit for $15. If you've never made a loan on Kiva, and are interested in figuring out what all the fuss is about, this is the perfect deal for you. If you're trying to figure out what the perfect gift is this Holiday season... then this gift is for you. If you need to bring something to Thanksgiving to impress your in-laws, then this gift is definitely for you.