Microfinance innovations have gone through their ups and downs when it comes to scandal, popularity and importance, but there is no mistaking the influence that microfinance has had on both the international development field as well as the emerging scenes of social business, social enterprise and impact investing.
This Social Business top list of microfinance innovations covers anything and everything from youth-oriented finances like the ever-creative MyBnk and equally creative ventures like Simpa Networks, which offers "pay as you go" energy to underserved markets in India. What is so crucial about microfinance is the range of fields that it influences from charity and the eco industry to, well, even fashion. The latest of microfinance innovations that SocialBusiness.org covered was a fashion brand called the Naked Hippie that redirects profits to funding microloans for small-scale entrepreneurs in the Majority World.
30 Microfinance Innovations
30
Entreprenurial Philanthropy
Jessica Jackley Introduces Small Business Models that Help the Poor
29
Pay-as-You-Go Energy
Simpa Networks Offers Solar Power to Underserved Markets in India
28
Microfinance Investing
Kiva.org Lets You Become a Banker to the Poor
27
Microloan-Giving Tees
The Naked Hippie Invests in Small-Scale Entrepreneurs in the Majority World
26
Accessible Bamboo Bicycles
Zambikes International Creates Jobs and Transportation in Zambia
25
Social Entrepreneurs
A Megatrend
24
Ebay Ventures Into Microfinance
MicroPlace.com
23
Conscious Capitalism
Dirty Business No More
22
One Euro Sneakers
Muhammad Yunus Collaborates With Adidas Third World Project
21
Microlending Credit Cards
KivaB4B Doubles Grants
20
Urban Slum Sanitation
Sanergy Turns Kenyan Toilets into Green Social Enterprises
19
Giving 2.0
Kiva Loans Lend Directly to a Developing World Entrepreneur
18
Disruptive Entrepreneur Incubators
The Unreasonable Institute Spurs Social Enterprise Ventures
17
Fair Trade Cocoa
Divine Chocolate is a Social Business Partly Owned by Its Farmers
16
Activist Apparel + Accessories
Nest Helps Fund Female Artisans in Developing Countries
15
Collateral-Free Microcredit
Muhammad Yunus's Grameen Bank Has Revolutionized Finance
14
Youth-Oriented Finances
MyBnk Teaches Money Management and Entrepreneurial Skills
13
Social Entrepreneur Associations
‘Ashoka: Innovators for the Public' is World-Changing
12
Flourishing In Crisis
Green Banks Thrive as Wall Street Collapses
11
Microloans for Homelessness?
Beyond the Cardboard Shares Stories, Interviews and Resources
10
Green Power Microlending
Energy in Common's Person-to-Person Loans Fight Climate Change
9
Global Microfinance Networks
FINCA Provides Financial Services to Low-Income Entrepreneurs
8
Alternative Loan Products
Fair Finance Offers Affordable Banking to Urban Populations
7
American-Based Microlending
ACCION Chicago Provides Financial Access to Small Business Owners
6
Conscious Food Collaborations
Watami and the Yunus Centre Sign MOU to Create a Social Business
5
Social Advisory Firms
Intellecap is a ‘Think and Do' Tank With Market-Based Strategies
4
Comprehensive Vision Care Access
Aravind Eye Hospital Combats Needless Blindness in Rural India
3
Social Enterprise Magazines
Beyond Profit Provides Content to Spark Positive Change
2
Eco-Certified Athletic Balls
Fair Trade Sports is a North American Purpose-Driven Company
1
Poverty Partnership Imaginings
The Prof. Yunus James Chau Interview on CCTV Explores the MDGs
Related Ideas
Multifunctional Micro-Camper Vans
The Toyoya Kayoibako Prioritizes Flexibility
Disruptive AI-Finance Chatbots
Origin Financial Wins Big with AI Chatbot for Everyday Finance
Autonomous Micro Markets
Micromart Features Digital Price Tags & AI Product Recognition Sensors
Home Energy Storage Solutions
Expion360 Commences Distribution of Its e360 Home Energy Storage
Cost-Conscious Cashierless Microstores
Fainders.AI Launched a Prefab MicroStore Within a Gym
Eco Storytelling Workwear Campaigns
Patagonia's We Can Get There From Here Tells is Inspiring
Gen Z-Centric Campaigns
Urban Outfitters' Shift Happens Campaign Has Three Phases
Home Services E-Commerce Platforms
Go Lime Launches a New E-Commerce Platform
AI-Fueled Finance Apps
The 'Finn' App Can Provide Accurate Responses to Complex Queries
Pager-Inspired Power Banks
The Conceptual Beeper Power Bank by PTPC is Vintage-Modern
Digital Creator Revenue Shifts
Newsletter Platform Beehiiv Lets Readers Set Their Own Price
AI-Backed Private Payment Solutions
TODAQ's 'TAPP' Micropayments Improves Healthcare Privacy
AI-Powered Digital Banks
Revolut Introduces its Reliable AI-Powered Finance Product, Billpay
Mindful Athletic Brand Initiatives
Nike's 'Wellness Collective' Promotes 5 Key Wellness Pillars
Social Commerce Platforms
21 Buttons is a Social Fashion Shopping Network
Finance eSports Partnerships
GIANTX Partnered with HSBC to Educate Youth on Finances
Sustainability-Driven Fashion Campaigns
pitusa's Sustainability Campaign Focuses on Reducing Waste
Blockchain-Integrated Online Banking
Kauri Finance 3.0 Represents an Evolution in Online Banking
AI-Powered Innovation Platforms
Mintel Spark Helps Brands with Concept Generation
Wireless E-Bike Charging Systems
MobiDock Launched a Charging Ecosystem for Bikes and Scooters
AI-Powered Budgeting Apps
Cleo Helps Gen Z Get Their Finances in Order with Roast & Hype Modes
Kids' Money Management Books
'The Adventures of Ca$hman & Supersaver' Promotes Financial Awareness
Clothing Buy-Back Programs
Eileen Fisher Revolutionizes Clothing Recycling with Renew Program
Digital Currency Piggy Banks
This 'Smart Piggy' Bank Concept Upgrades a Classic
Mindful Eco-Friendly Banks
Climate First Bank is Ready to Expand Nationwide
Esports CSR Initiatives
The Global Esports Federation Launched a Global Social Impact Initiative
Financial Coloring Books
Chime Boasts Activities for Financial Progress Month
Alternative Cooking Oil Startups
NoPalm Ingredients Completed a Funding Round Raising over $5M
Generative AI Healthcare Solutions
Light-It Group Debuts a New Chapter — Enlighten Ventures
Music-Inspired Fashion Ventures
Upstream is the First Fashion Streaming Service Powered by Music
Affordable Housing Prototypes
Harshit Singh Kothari and Tanvi Jai Complete the Tiny House
GenAI Financial Assistants
Intuit Assist for QuickBooks Streamlines Small Business Operations
Inventive Retail Strategies
H&M is Working to Localize Its Shopping Experience
Micro-Influencer Marketing Services
SCREENSHOT Micro Boost Refines the Brand-Creator Experience
Financial Challenges Mobile Apps
The Achieve GOOD™ App Aims to Assist Consumers with Debt
AI Startup Idea Generators
IdeaPicker Scours Reddit to Discover Your Next Big Idea
Circular Fashion-Enabling Partnerships
Coach and Poshmark's Collaboration Makes Buyer Resale Easy
Ethical Premium Bedding
Linen Reform is Revolutionizing the Home Textile Market
Integrated Influencer Marketing Platforms
SocialTalk Helps Users Discover, Track, and Connect
Multi-Use Non-Payment Wallets
Google Wallet India Unveils an Expansion for Non-Payment Services
German Payment Expansions
Brite Introduces Instant Payments for German Consumers
Marketing Idea Generators
Thunderbucket Provides Marketing Ideas and Observations at Speed
Textile Recycling Solutions
SuperCircle Secures $7M to Enhance Textile Recycling Infrastructure
Eco-Friendly Pet Programs
Mars Petcare and Big Idea Ventures Launch a Sustainable Pet Food Program
Instant Retail Savings Platforms
formi by Patron Points Offers Universal Savings for Shoppers
Philanthropic Kid Fashion Brands
Mini Rodini Supports Doctors Without Borders for Black Week 2024
Product Maker Launch Platforms
MicroLaunch Offers a Streamlined Avenue for Feedback
Supportive Entrepreneur Communities
Ooutliers Shares Insights From Successful Startups
Gen Z Anti-Loneliness Funds
Hinge Combats Loneliness for Gen Z - $1M Fund
Pioneering Secondhand Search Engines
Beni Dominates Resale Marketplace with Innovative App
IPP-Focused Finance Updates
Adyen is Improving the IPP Sector with New Product Expansions
Rewarding Money Apps
Shakepay Has an Innovative Reward System for Digital Currencies
Simplified Payment Platforms
Alternative Payments Has Introduced DPMax, an Open Banking Platform
AI-Powered Fundraising Platforms
Socap.ai Simplifies Startup Fundraising and Expands Networks
Sustainable Banking Solutions
IDEMIA Unveils the GREENPAY Wallet for Sustainably Minded Bankers
Beauty Innovation Funds
L’Oréal's Inclusive Beauty Fund Recipients Were Announced
Savings-Focused Youth Accounts
Absa Bank Tanzania Unveils a New Youth Savings Account
Sustainable Turkish Textile Initiatives
ILO Turkiye and Ekodoku Aim to Boost Eco-Friendly Textiles
Loneliness-Combating Social Campaigns
Hinge Launches the New One More Hour Campaign and Fund
Sustainable Funding Summits
Emerald Summit Connects Climate Innovators with Impact Investors
Blockchain-Powered Credit Unions
KeyPoint Credit Union Joins a Banking Innovation Program
Travel Sector-Focused Payment Tools
Nium and HyperGuest Streamline B2B Payments in Travel
Bank-Enabled Payment Rings
Intesa Sanpaolo is Introducing a New Contactless Payment Ring
Engaging Spending Insights
Parcely Finance is Like 'Spotify Wrapped' for Spending Habits
Insightful Fraud-Battling Initiatives
TPAY Addresses Fraud in Mobile Payments
Apparel Brand Industry Expansions
'Reebok' is Expanding to Enter the Micro-Mobility Space
Effective Credit-Building Apps
Kikoff Relies on Targeted Financial Tools to Help Individuals
Early Wage Solutions
Tapcheck Provides On-Demand Pay Access for Employee Financial Flexibility
Accessible Home Improvement Services
IKEA Canada Introduces Payplan by RBC
Sustainable Swimwear Collections
Kosta Kini Has Launched a New Versatile Swimwear Collection
Localized Enterprise Programs
Unilever Introduced a Suppliers’ Recruitment Drive in Thailand
Marketing Social Advocacy Tools
Nut Tree Helps Smaller Brands Boost Their Presence
APPI Eco-Friendly Furniture
Sabai Design is a Sustainable Furniture Disruptor Led by Woman Founder
Forest-Protecting Fashion Brand Initiatives
Canopy Leads an Initiative To Save the Forests
Youth-Focused Financial Literacy Guides
Lakefront Finance Targets Gen Alpha, Gen Z & Millennials
Privacy-First Finance Apps
'Skwad' Helps Users Track Spending Without Linking Bank Accounts
Eco-Conscious Product Lines
Birla Cellulose Designs a Sustainable Apparel Line with Ka-Sha
Personal Shopping Assistants
Klarna Debuts a More Personalized Shopping Feature Dubbed Ask Klarna
Sustainable Textile Industry Practice
Soorty Introduces the Soorty Regenagri Initiative (SRI)
P2P Clothing Rental Platforms
Sizters: Rent & Lend Fashion Provides Luxury Wardrobes to Rent
Sustainable Finance Accelerators
Commerzbank Taps Tenity for a New Sustainable Finance Accelerator
Youth Education Partnerships
FP Markets and Cricket Brasil Debuted a Youth Development Initiative
Gamified Budgeting Apps
Bread Budgeting Makes Budgeting Fun By Integrating Challenges
Innovative Smart Grid Software
MicroEJ Debuts the VEE Energy Software and It Ground-Breaking
Digital Gifting Platforms
On Me Makes the Traditional Gift Card Experience Modern & Personal
Global Money-Transferring Apps
HSBC Unveils its Inclusive 'Zing' App and Debit Card in the UK
Interconnected Messaging Ecosystems
Whatsapp to Introduce Support for Messages Third-Party Apps
AI-Powered Finance Tools
MyFi Unveils a New AI Assistant Designed for Investment Guidance
Personal Efficiency Optimizers
8020.in Everything Maximizes Results by Focusing on the Key 20%
Savvy Personal Finance Platforms
'Savewise' Personal Finance Tools Helps Maximize Every Dollar
Effortless Group Payment Tools
Tabbit Splits Bills Easily with Payment Links Via Any Messaging App
Inspirational Learning Management Tools
'Get Inspired' Offers Digestible Snippets of Content
Expanded Cross-Border Payments
Visa Announces the Expansion of its Visa+ Program for US Customers
Upgraded Expense Tracking Features
Expensify Extends Its Reach to the Global Self-Employed Market
Scaleable Freelance Tools
Productize Fast Helps Freelancers Looking to Transition and Scale
Resilience-Focused Children's Books
Savvy Suzanna Inspires Young Entrepreneurs with Creativity
At-Risk Youth-Targeted Initiatives
Victoria's Secret Notes Its Work with Pacific Links Foundation
SaaS Influencer Marketing Tools
Beeing Social Launches 'Buzz Bee Buzz' for Influencer Marketing
India-Based Investment Platforms
KoTak Mutual Fund Launches a Technology Fund for Investors
Personal Finance Apps
Spendwell Helps Users Gain Insights into Their Spending Habits
Influencer Marketing Agencies
NYMA Embraces Influencer Marketing as a Part of its Core Offerings
Supportive Entrepreneurial Communities
The Zenpreneur Community Provides Resources and Support
African Digital Wallet Platforms
Union54 Launches a New Social Commerce Platform Called ChitChat
Beginner Business Wisdom
Beginner Maps Uses Insights From Experts to Help New Businesses Thrive
Smart Telecom Power Solutions
Huawei Unveiled Its Latest Innovation in Bangkok, Thailand
Global Money-Managing Apps
Zing Empowers Users to Send Money Internationally, Worry-Free
Empowering Lambani-Designed Accessories
Banjara Kasuti Introduces the New Lambani Looms Collection
Kid-Friendly Financial Support Apps
Goaly Offers Financial Lessons for Kids and Their Parents
Integrated Business Banking Tools
PennyFlo Streamlines Financial Management for Businesses
Social Isolation-Combating Platforms
TimeBank by Healthfirst Foundation Has Debuted a New Platform
Sustainable Mongolian Cashmeres
Nativa Debuts the Nativa Cashmere Fiber with Blockchain Technology
Connective Non-Profit Funding
Wingtap Connects Users with Charities in Need of Fund
Efficient Micro Habit Apps
Micro Habits Breaks Goals into Smaller Steps
Sustainability-Focused Building Renovations
Climate Group Launches the Renovation Revolution
Inventive Charity Initiatives
Spark Financial's Annual Charity Initiative is for Autism Awareness
Empowering Financial Management Apps
Windfall Makes Money Tracking and Management Easy
Explorative Entrepreneur Ideas
Hustle Momumtum Invites You to Discover and Launch Side Hustles
Online Tip Collecting
Tipsme Changes the Way Individuals and Businesses Collect Tips
Social Good Brand Practices
Dignity Coconuts Positions Itself to Combat Human Trafficking
Digital Community-Branded Product Lines
The Girl Math Gang Debuts New Product Offerings
Unified Financial Management Platforms
'Fina Money' Tracks Personal and Professional Finances
Flexible Payment Features
Jifiti Has Introduced Tap Now, Pay Later™ Technology
AI-Powered Influencer Tools
SMINCO Connects Businesses with Influencers for Marketing Campaigns
Group Finances-Centered Payment Apps
Tribe Money Pools is Introducing an Innovative Payment App
Australian Fintech Lending Tools
BeforePay Group Launched 'Carrington Labs' for B2B Lending
Intellectually Stimulating Social Media
Maven Goes Back to Basics with Traditional Algorithms
Personal Financial Assistants
Timmy Offers Tailored Suggestions to Improve Spending Habits
Community Borrowing Apps
Borrow Encourages Neighbours to Interact and Share
Membership-Based Community Engagement
The Lamp App Uses Technology to Promote Community Giving
Shared Kitchen Initatives
Metro & Food Banks of Quebec Address Food Insecurity
Digital Commercial Payment Apps
Mastercard Unveils the Mobile Virtual Card App for Businesses
Friendship-Focused Finance Agreements
'Friends Over Money' Let's You Make Agreements with Friends
Youth-Oriented Arts Camps
QNB is Set to Unveil an Eco-Friendly Arts Camp for Kids 4-14
Simplified Youth Savings
Dive Money is a Savings App for Gen z, Offering Interest on Deposits
Local Economic Growth Initiatives
Hershey's is Supporting Village Savings and Loan Associations
Financial Organization Tools
Expensio.co Simplifies Budgeting, Tracks Expenses, and Saves Money
Comprehensive Indian Payment Tools
BharatPe Unveils the Country's First All-in-One Payment Device
Youth-Focused Non-Profit Programs
In Tandem's Youth Voice Fellowship Offers Paid Opportunities
Niche Interest Ads
Interest Navigator Uncovers Interests That are Hidden from Most Advertisers
Streamlined Start-Up Job Searching
Startup Jobs by Binh Pham is a Community for Job Seekers