Trickle Up (trickleup.org) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping entrepreneurs in the poorest areas of the world start micro-enterprises. Since August, the 28-year-old group, based in New York City, has helped initiate 47 businesses in the Gulf/Delta region, ranging from barbeque stands to home-based childcare centers. Trickle Up has raised more than $200,000 from foundations, the government, individuals and corporations such as Google, but still has a ways to go to meet its goal of offering $1,000 grants and skill training to at least 400 entrepreneurs in the Gulf/Delta region.

While the organization's biggest concern is attracting financial contributions, Trickle Up is exploring the option of involving supporters on a more personal level in the future through a mentorship program. "Many of our supporters are entrepreneurs themselves because what we do resonates with them," says spokeswoman Allyson Wainer.