Jessica Jackley Flannery and her husband, Matt Flannery, started Kiva just a few years ago. Today, the Internet-based lending platform has allowed over 60,000 people around the world to channel nearly 6 million dollars in loans to small businesses in developing countries. In this interview with host Sheela Sethuraman, Jessica talks about her inspiration for starting Kiva and her vision for Kiva's future.

Kiva works with microfinance institutions to identify small businesses in need of money, and then gives people an easy way to make loans to these small businesses. With a quick click, lenders can find out how their loans are affecting their chosen small businesses. Jessica's own work in rural Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania helped her understand the challenges and opportunities in creating Kiva. She talks about early users, the power of the Internet in building new communities, and the advantages of starting an altruistic technology company in Silicon Valley.

Jessica also addresses some of the typical issues facing entrepreneurs everywhere, especially those in the social sector. How does one measure impact? How can one sustain and nurture growth? How does one continue to address the double bottom line? She has tips for social entrepreneurs everywhere about getting their ideas off the ground, finding mentors, securing funding, and building a team.