SmartStart Giving to Feature Dave Ellis, Life Coach to Micro-credit Pioneer and Nobel Peace Prize Winner Muhammad Yunus, on May Micro-fundraising Call

Mississauga, ON (PRWEB) May 28, 2008 -- On Friday, May 30 entrepreneurs and others registered with SmartStartGiving.com can join the monthly micro-fundraising tele-webcast from anywhere in the world and hear a live interview with internationally renowned life coach and philanthropist Dave Ellis.

Ellis's Brande Foundation has provided funding to organizations including CARE, OXFAM, United Way, Working Against Violence Inc., Youth & Family Services, The Hunger Project, RESULTS Educational Fund, The Institute of Noetic Sciences, The Gorbachev Foundation, Pachamama Alliance, Amnesty International and many others. Ellis's life coaching and guidance also helped facilitate the thinking of Muhammad Yunus, micro-credit pioneer and 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner.

Yunus, the inspiration for SmartStart Giving, is a leader whose life mission is to eliminate poverty in the world. In 1976, he started the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh with just $27 from his own pocket. Since then, his work with the bank has developed micro-credit into an ever more important instrument in the struggle against poverty. By extending small loans to those otherwise deemed not creditworthy, Grameen Bank makes it possible for the poorest of the poor to grow their human and business potential and exercise their right to live a decent life.

Micro-credit financing is a gender-blind liberator for those who struggle against repressive social and economic conditions. Yunus's model can be seen in many micro-credit institutions springing up around the world. But his is just one story Ellis has to share from his front-row seat leading from behind. Others at the listening table have included Mimi Nelson, Regional Director, Habitat for Humanity, Jack Gordon, President and Chairman, Hospice Foundation of America, and Eileen Goldblatt, President and CEO of "I Have a Dream" Foundation. Sitting at the helm of a major organization is not a requirement to listen in and benefit from Ellis's wisdom and lessons learned.

SmartStartGiving.com hosts regular micro-fundraising calls on the final Friday of every month at 8 a.m. Pacific, 11 a.m. Eastern. Each call features a top business or thought leader who has agreed to share their personal insights and experiences with listeners by donating their interview. No fees are charged to register for or join the calls and optional donations are limited to $10, $25 or $40. All funds raised are donated to Kiva.org. For details on this innovative micro-fundraising program or to register for upcoming events visit http://www.smartstartgiving.com .

About Alex Mandossian: Mandossian is the world's leading authority on leveraging the marketing power of the internet.

About Linda M. Lopeke: Lopeke is an internationally recognized business strategist, professional mentor and creator of the award-winning SmartStart Programs.

About SmartStart: SmartStart Virtual Mentoring Programs teach business and career success to those who want to "do less and achieve more". SmartStart Giving is an internet-based philanthropy program teaching people how to "give less and help more". Register for upcoming events at http://smartstartgiving.com .

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