El FUEGO del SOL GeoTourism EcoVillage

The recent economic downturn has hit developing countries especially hard. MicroLending networks worldwide are being squeezed as investment credit tightens.

However, the lack of solid high-yield investment options in the United States and Europe has opened new social and ecological opportunities for equity-based lending throughout the developing world.

Local lenders charge Dominicans 48% annually and higher for loans against their homes, cars, motor cycles, paychecks and other valuable property.

In conjunction with our other efforts of social outreach, El Fuego del Sol has now created the Careful Loan Network.

Socially conscious individuals can make a direct investment in the economic welfare of hard-working Dominicans. In exchange, these private loans will be paid back with excellent interest rates by international standards.

Lenders contact El Fuego del Sol with the amount that they would be comfortable lending to a worthy Dominican corporation or individual. The investor receives a 6 to 12% annually based on a 2 year loan with principal and interest payments starting directly after the loan is begun.

Lenders can loan any amount from US$1000.00 up. Loans and loan payments will be made by international bank wire transfers or other secure convenient method at the lender's discretion.

The money loaned to El Fuego del Sol will, in turn, be loaned to local Dominican businesses or individuals, backed by an item that is directly equitable, such as Real Estate property, a vehicle or a series of expected paychecks.

The Dominican individual or company borrowing the money will legally sign over ownership documents to El Fuego del Sol until their debt is paid in full. No debt will exceed 33% of the equity  value of the item or property provided by the borrower, based on directly comparable equity items or a bank-approved appraisal. Proof will be provided to El Fuego del Sol that there is no other lien of any kind on the equity item or property.

The socially beneficial aspect of the program is that El Fuego del Sol will provide qualified borrowers funds for at least 20% less annually than the private lending sources in the area.

While providing lower-interest-loans is an act of social outreach for El Fuego del Sol, foreclosing on the equity items or property will occur if the debt is unpaid after a legally required waiting period. Then the item may be sold to assure full international loan repayment, that is why loans never exceed 33% of the actual equity provided. Fair-but-firm lending improves the local lending environment.