The InVenture logic is simple: Give entrepreneurs an opportunity for real financial and social growth, and they'll lift not just themselves but their communities out of poverty

Problem: We founded InVenture in October 2009 with the belief that traditional microfinance models weren't doing enough to lift communities out of poverty. To give you an idea of the problem's scope: there are currently more than 75 million micro-borrowers worldwide, all living day to day on short-term loans with an average interest rate of 30%. Within this market, there are thousands of businesses with the potential to grow and thus help change their communities; all they need is the freedom do it.

Solution: InVenture has created a market for "micro venture capital," whereby everyday investors can provide expansion capital to developing businesses. Free from debt and high interest payments, the business can operate independently and with an eye towards long-term growth.

How it works: InVenture raises capital largely through its online platform, where InVestors can choose from several different funds and network with other like-minded individuals to increase their impact.

Social Reinvestment: As soon as the business begins turning a profit, a portion of that profit is reinvested in the community. Business reinvestment in social initiatives, such as clean water and education, improves the livelihood of the community as a whole. And the stronger the community, the greater the chance that other businesses can succeed.

Click here to find out more about how InVenture works