It's just that the entrepreneurs you can back are looking for $500 to $2k for their small businesses in the developing world.
Check out www.kiva.org or the banner on OCC -- this is such an amazing use of the web and puts us in touch with other entrepreneurs doing what we're trying to but in a very different way.
kiva sounds like a great way to get involved in micro-finance, I am however sligtly peeved that they are not upfront or clear on the obvious question any lender will ask - "Will I get my money back" - the answer is in the FAQ but it should be made more apparent to a new visitor as it is pretty fundamental - just my two-cents.
Yes, I found Kiva a few months ago via Good Magazine. I signed up and gave it a try, for a very minimal investent. So far the woman I helped finance has paid back a portion of what she borrowed, and I assume she'll keep doing so. Once it's all been credited back to me, I really just plan to reinvest it in someone else. If she doesn't pay me back? Then I won't be able to reinvest that money again. Either way - I know I won't be cashing out my micro sum. It'll stay in Kiva-circulation until someone defaults.
@Ravi
Did you write Kiva and maybe make that suggestion? I'm sure they'll be more than happy to get feedback that will help them better the system.
I can also recommend KIVA, it ssem to work great, I appreciate the direct contact with the people that borrow my money. I think this is an excelent example of using the power of Internet for something good that could not be done in any other way.