microcredit

[ mahy-kroh-kred-it ]
/ ˈmaɪ kroʊˌkrɛd ɪt /

noun

the lending of very small amounts of money at low interest, especially to a start-up company or self-employed person.
Also called mi·cro·lend·ing [mahy-kroh-len-ding] /ˈmaɪ kroʊˌlɛn dɪŋ/.

British Dictionary definitions for micro-credit

micro-credit
/ (ˈmaɪkrəʊˌkrɛdɪt) /

noun

the practice of lending small amounts of money on minimal security, esp to help small businesses and communities in the developing world