The original idea combines the popularity of local tours with microfinance strategies to create a sustainable model that helps fight poverty in the community.
Investours was formed in 2008 and is the Bay's newest non-profit. According to the organizations press release, Investours "...works at the intersection of microfinance and socially responsible tourism by organizing authentic, life-changing, and socially responsible community tours... An investour allows participants, called 'investourists', to improve the economic condition of hardworking, low-income Mexican families through micro-finance."
During the tour, participants meet entrepreneurs, hear their business ideas, and then decide which entrepreneur will receive the proceeds of the tour in an interest-free micro-loan. Additionally, tour participants can track the progress of their chosen business online.
Investours has three tours planned for the coming weeks: one in the afternoon of January 20, and two on January 27. Tours will continue into February on Thursday mornings and afternoons.
To participate, visit Investours.org to sign up or contact Mexico Director Anna Ruman. Also, join the Investours Facebook group.
