just_awesomeKiva is the first person to person micro-lending site which enables lending money to teeny businesses to help them get off the ground. They boast $35 million in completed loans, with a less than 2% default rate.

They just recently decided to dip their toe into allowing US citizens to ask for loans, given the current economic difficulties. One of the first on the list is Just Awesome, a new FLGS in San Fransisco, looking to raise $7,500 for advertising and inventory. Their pitch page is here.

You can donate as little as $25. One of their current donors is a guy named Arnold whose occupation is governor of California.

(source)