I'm not saying the folks at ebay haven't done things right in the past (They certainly know how to make money) but usually when the giant online auction company stirs up press it's because they've managed to anger someone. Well not this time. It turns out that the folks at ebay are up to something good with their new venture, Microplace.

Microplace.com is a for profit venture that allows investors to fund micro finance institutions around the world who in-turn finance loans to poor people who are trying to start their own businesses and work their way out of poverty.

While most traditional banks don't want to be bothered with such small amounts of money as is usually involved in micro loans, micro banks have a proven track record of fewer failed loans and returns on investments that traditional banks can't match.

The problem for micro banks has been in finding investors who understand and support these unusual banking practices but now that ebay has stepped-in it's now easier for these small lenders to make contact with investors and easier to lift people from poverty.

Just imagine being able to help the poor, get a return on your investments and give someone back their pride.