Our model is built to invest 20% of net profits to support people in starting and growing their businesses. Over the past 12 years, the BANGS community has been able to invest in over 5,700 entrepreneurs across 75 countries including the US.
During our Sale Season will be updating our normal model and donating $5 per pair sold to small businesses in the Asheville area impacted by Hurricane Helene. Our goal is to donate $20,000. Once we hit this goal, we will go back to our normal give-back model through Kiva.org.
We believe that micro-finance is one very meaningful way to support people in providing for their families and creating the life of their dreams.
Normally we hand-select entrepreneurs through our non-profit partner, Kiva. During our Autumn Sale we will be tapping into the Asheville community to donate directly to small businesses.
If we give a donation to an Asheville area business impacted by Helene - no. They do not have to pay us back.
With our usual model, a loan is repaid and the money stays inside of Kiva's platform. We then re-invest that SAME loan with a new, different Kiva entrepreneur. So over time, one loan could cycle through many entrepreneurs - making your dollars more meaningful!
Absolutely!! We highly encourage it. Read how to on Kiva.org.
Wayan, Indonesia - Photo by Brandon Smith | Images provided by Kiva.org to advance its mission of connecting people around the world through lending to alleviate poverty.
"I am a licensed childcare provider. I have owned my day care business and provided quality care in my community for 10 years.
I pour all the knowledge I have into my little dreamers so that they can discover new things and view their world in a new way.
This loan will help me expand my facility and allow me to care for more children in the community." - Sited from Kiva.org
Shareen, Beauty Handicrafts - Jericho, Palestine
Patrick & Mara, Bibamba Artisan Chocolate - Denver, Colorado
Christine, Basket Weaving - Phillipines
