Hi Product Hunt,
I'm Julia, the founder of Zidisha. For this launch, we're offering free gift cards to the first 100 people who donate. Give it a try today!
Below is some more background on what we've been working on.
Zidisha has gone through several iterations since we launched as the first P2P microlending platform to connect lenders and borrowers directly across international borders. In our new Pay It Forward program, the entrepreneurs you fund become in turn the funders of other entrepreneurs.
You've probably heard of microlending - it's been around for decades, and the idea is to provide very small loans to borrowers in developing countries. Zidisha (founded in 2009) has focused on supporting small-scale entrepreneurs, but with a twist: instead of sending the money through a third party, Zidisha has connected individual lenders DIRECTLY with recipients.
Microlending is compelling because the donor's money is recycled over and over, as the loan is repaid and re-loaned. Traditionally, the lender has chosen each recipient, but we started to wonder: wouldn't it be great if the recipient could feel the joy and satisfaction of giving? In other words, rather than repaying the original lender, what if they could "pay it forward" by selecting the next recipient and having their loan repayments go directly to that person?
That's the idea behind our new Pay It Forward program! You select an entrepreneur and donate any amount you wish. You won't be repaid, but instead, you'll be able to watch how your money passes from one entrepreneur to the next, as your money's impact multiplies over and over.
Sound too good to be true? Try it by uploading a small amount to your account, and divide it among several of our fundraising entrepreneurs. Not only will you receive thank-you notes written directly by your chosen recipients, but you will be able to track how your funds are recycled as they are "paid forward" to the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Great job on Zidisha! How about considering partnerships with NGOs or community organizations to further extend the reach and impact of micro-lending?
Zidisha's global reach is commendable. Will there be options for borrowers to share success stories to highlight the positive outcomes of the platform?
Loving the transparency in Zidisha's lending process. How about integrating a feature that allows borrowers to provide updates on their projects to lenders?
Impressive platform for connecting lenders and borrowers in Zidisha! Are there plans to introduce a dashboard that provides lenders with insights into their social impact?
Esther successfully gathered $150 through Zidisha to grow her grocery shop, aiming to secure a better future for her family.
Hey there! Just wanted to drop a quick message to say how awesome Zidisha is. It's such a fantastic concept, empowering entrepreneurs in developing countries through crowdfunding. I love the potential it has to make a real difference. Have you considered expanding the platform to other sectors or industries in the future, like education or healthcare?
"This is a game-changer for small businesses in developing countries. The ability to crowdfund from a global audience is a huge opportunity.
Tuendelee kuzidisha. I appreciate projects like these that bring unexpected but much-needed change to our country. I'd like to connect with this project. Hongera kwa ku-launch hapa Product Hunt Julia.
"I'm impressed by the transparency of this product. It's clear how my money is being used to help small businesses succeed."
"This is a great way to make a difference in the world and support sustainable businesses. The clear and concise flow makes it easy to get started."
"I'm excited to see how this product can help make a difference in the lives of low-income entrepreneurs. The ability to interact directly with the people you're helping is a really powerful feature."
"Love the way this product makes it easy to connect with and support small businesses in developing countries. The flow is very user-friendly and the impact potential is huge."
As an entrepreneur who came from a developing country, this is really a useful product that I can identify with the need for. Awesome work from you and the team. Congratulations on the launch, Julia!
Zidisha's micro-lending model is impactful. How about incorporating a feature that enables lenders to offer mentorship or guidance to borrowers?
