The Infinite Banking Model with Impact

Overview of Opportunity International

Opportunity International is an extraordinary organisation with an inspiring mission – to end poverty through the power of small loans. 

Founded nearly 50 years ago in Australia, their visionary founder, David Bussau, believed in empowerment over handouts. 

Rather than charity, David pioneered an innovative model of providing small capital loans to underprivileged people – specifically women entrepreneurs in India and Indonesia. 

Once-impoverished mothers now run thriving businesses, educate kids with bright futures, and serve as pillars of vibrant communities. 

This sustainable, empowering model aligns perfectly with my own mission of achieving financial freedom by realising our greatest possibilities.

Why Business Owners Are Drawn to This Model

Kieran, state manager of Opportunity International, noticed a common thread amongst the business owners who partner with OI – they vividly recall someone helping them in their early entrepreneurial days when they were just starting. 

As he shared, these successful founders and CEOs look back on pivotal moments where a small loan, investment, or support made all the difference in getting their business off the ground. 

Though they may not have “deserved” it at the time, that act of generosity enabled their success stories.  

Now thriving, they feel compelled to “pay forward” those same acts of goodwill to aspiring women entrepreneurs across the globe. When given a chance, a microloan of just $160 can encourage amazing ingenuity.

Innovative Contribution Structures I’ve Seen

In my conversations with Kieran, I was fascinated to learn about some creative ways business owners structure their support of Opportunity International’s microlending programs. 

Many companies build giving back to disadvantaged communities directly into their business models, donating a percentage of profits. 

Others run matching donation campaigns during annual fundraisers or employee charity events, amplifying contributions.  

One ambassador Kieran works with has an inspiring personal pledge to fund “a million souls” with small loans in her lifetime. She donates to OI for every new client she acquires in her business – linking professional success with social dividends.  

Some corporations have formalised the process by integrating Opportunity International campaigns into their workplace giving platforms. 

As someone focused on empowering others to achieve financial freedom, I’m convinced the microlending model can release incredible human potential that ripples across generations. 

Final Words

After my life-changing trek through the Himalayas and witnessing the incredible impact of microloans firsthand, I am convinced that Opportunity International’s model is an innovative approach to creating lasting, compounding change.  

Uplifting underprivileged women entrepreneurs with small capital loans, this social enterprise opens up incredible ingenuity and resilience. 

The loans catalyse businesses, income, education, healthcare, and community development in a sustainable, scalable way. 

Seeing India’s vibrant villages and transformed trajectories reaffirmed my belief that providing opportunity, not charity, can end the cycle of poverty for good. 

Opportunity International proves the pursuit of wealth is still valid when done ethically and generously reinvested. 

I’ll continue supporting Opportunity International for years to come because a small loan today could educate the doctors, innovators, and change-makers of tomorrow – the seeds of a lasting legacy planted across the globe.