Micro finance in the programming industry [closed]

Question

I've read quite a bit about the positive effects of micro finance in developing countries. Organizations exist that solicit capital from donations and then make micro loans to people for the purpose of setting up some kind of business.

The loans are usually quite small, with little to no interest and are well under ten thousand US Dollars, typically reaching only hundreds of dollars. The pay back rate is also excellent. The programs that exist seem to focus on retail and agricultural endeavours, I have yet to see an organization with a focus on technology sectors like software development.

Do you know of any established / credible micro finance organizations that supply micro loans to individuals in order to set up software related businesses? Have the loans been paid back as well as other sectors, such as agriculture and retail?

I'm looking globally, so organizations in any country would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Community Driven Funding

The closest thing I know is called Kickstarter.

What is Kickstarter? We’re the largest funding platform for creative projects in the world

It is not specifically bound to software development. My understanding is that it is only available to the US market.

An alternative if you don't like Kickstarter: Ulule.com that is global.

Both of them are community driven. Money comes from people like you and me, and not funds or banks.

National or Regional Fundings

In many countries (especially europe) there is local help by governments. In Belgium there is called "Bourse de préactivité". They give up to 12.500 Euros to any individual that will come up with an innovative idea and want to create a business with it. It's a subsidy. There is Awex that promotes exportation and refund you up to 50% of your charges for your presence in international trade shows or the fact you build a multi-language e-commerce website.

I'm sure every country has his own programs.

Microsoft has a lot of Microsoft Innovation Centers in the world. Many of them are joint ventures with the local government. They are aware of all financial tools you could use in your local country, and they will certainly help, even if you are not in Microsoft eco-system.