On Thursday, it was reported that China is considering a proposal to set up a regional bank to help its small and medium enterprises invest in Southeast Asian neighbors and fund infrastructure projects in an effort to buy goodwill in the region.

FORBES: China To The Rescue In Africa, Asia And Europe

At the World Economic Forum in the Dead Sea last week, it was evident that momentum is building, albeit very late, on public private partnerships, micro financing for small businesses and calls for an Arab Stabilization Plan to fund major infrastructure projects.

CNN: The Arab World's lost generation

Some examples of Recovery Act programs that leverage other investment funds are tax credits for advanced energy manufacturing, loan guarantees for small businesses, and interest subsidies for state and local borrowing to finance essential infrastructure projects.

WHITEHOUSE: Recovery Act Fourth Quarterly Report - Executive Summary

Most projects are small, taking one week or less to complete, and are geared toward installing or improving infrastructure for basic human needs, such as water projects.

FORBES: Doing Good by Doing Good