Let’s take a trip back in time, shall we? The year: 1973. The place: Brazil. It was here that Accion International distributed the first ever micro-loan. Microfinance in Brazil was born. It wouldn’t take long for other countries to catch onto this powerful concept of providing small loans to the working poor, allowing these individuals to create their own businesses, save, and invest so they could pull themselves out of poverty.

Now, fast forward back to the present. As it stands, some $25 billion in microfinance loans is currently working to help the extremely poor create long-term financial independence in their lives. Microfinance institutions are popping up in developing countries throughout the world, and nonprofit organizations are working tirelessly to raise more funds so that extreme poverty will soon be a distant memory.

Microfinance in Brazil and elsewhere is about more than just giving out loans. It’s about educating and empowering the poor, many of whom are women, to create better lives for themselves. That’s why the process doesn’t just involve doling out small loans, but it also includes educating the recipients of the loans on sound business principles and proven money management techniques that allow them to grow their assets. The result? Recipients of microfinance loans are able to pull themselves up out of poverty because they are armed with the knowledge and the resources needed to make a better life for themselves.

Since the birth of microfinance Brazil, the industry as a whole has given loans to over 100 million poor people throughout the world. The amazing part? Over 97% of these loans have been repaid. This is proof that microfinance is more than a hand out; it’s a long-term solution that creates a sustained positive impact in the lives of those who receive these loans.

But there is still a lot of work to be done before the microfinance industry reaches its goal of eradicating extreme poverty. Estimates show that about $250 billion is needed to get these loans to all the poor people in the world who need them. Thankfully, there are several nonprofit organizations working diligently to make this dream a reality.

One such group is Lingerie Miami. This revolutionary philanthropic brand uses the powerful world of fashion to raise funds for microfinance institutions throughout the world. The first fashion show was held in February 2009, and it attracted top fashion designers and A-list celebrities (the event was hosted by Eva Longoria-Parker). Created by Renata Black, this exciting new concept is being taken to New York and other major cities throughout the world in the near future.

Proceeds raised from Lingerie Miami and future shows directly benefits microfinance Brazil and several other countries. With the help of this philanthropic brand and other similarly-minded nonprofits, the microfinance industry hopes to reach its goal of eradicating extreme poverty and world hunger and promoting gender equality throughout the world.

Learn more about microfinance Brazil by visiting www.lingeriemiami.org today.

Of all the countries employing the practice of microfinance, perhaps no country needs it more than Mexico. Microfinance in Mexico is critically important as it helps poor citizens, mostly women, pull themselves out of poverty to create a sense of permanent financial stability.

Take a look at these statistics that underscore the importance of growing microfinance’s reach in Mexico:

• About 50% of the Mexican population lives in poverty
• Nearly 20% of Mexican citizens live in extreme poverty
• Many children are forced to work in the streets to help make ends meet
• The minimum wage in Mexico is equivalent to $4 USD per day
• Mexico is one of the 4 worst countries in Latin America for income distribution

All of this adds up to one sobering fact: The Mexican population desperately needs help. And it needs help that goes far beyond a simple charitable donation or sending food and goods. These traditional charitable acts are kind gestures, but they only create short-term results.

That’s why microfinance is so important in Mexico. Microfinance is the practice of giving small loans to the working poor. These loans are to be used to create small businesses, to save, and to invest. In addition to giving these small loans, microfinance institutions also educate borrowers on basic business principles and financial management techniques that will allow them to use this small sum to create a lifetime of financial independence.

At first, many people are skeptical of the concept of microfinance. But consider this: Over 100 million microfinance loans have been given to the poor throughout whole world, and over 97% of these loans have been repaid. This shows that borrowers are learning how to use money wisely to grow it and pull themselves out of poverty.

But microfinance in Mexico still has a long way to go. The sad truth is much of the country is still living in extreme poverty. And while microfinance has been successfully used in Mexico, the institutions need more funding to reach all those who need these loans the most./p>

Thankfully, many nonprofit organizations are stepping up to the plate to raise money for microfinance institutions in Mexico and across the globe. One great example of this is the new philanthropic brand Lingerie Miami. The brainchild of Renata Black, Lingerie Miami is a runway show that raises funds for microfinance, empowering women throughout the world. The event attracts famous designers and top celebrities, bringing everyone together to support this important cause. Because the first Lingerie Miami show was so successful, the brand is being expanded to New York and other major cities throughout the world. The goal is to continue raising money to be used for microfinance loans that help poor women pull themselves and their families out of poverty.

The simple truth is there is still a long way to go before extreme poverty in Mexico is fully eradicated. But with the help of Lingerie Miami and other likeminded nonprofit groups, this dream is on its way to becoming a reality.

VLearn more about Lingerie Miami and the microfinance Mexico cause by visiting www.lingeriemiami.org.