Until recently, options have been limited for Muslim entrepreneurs like Bille. But in May, because of new efforts by Twin Cities groups, Bille was able to obtain interest-free financing for his firm, which transports immigrants to English classes.

Bille financed a 34-person school bus with $15,000 borrowed from the Neighborhood Development Center in St. Paul. The group built a $2,000 profit into his repayment plan. Bille pays no interest, and the center still earns an annual return because the profit replaces interest. (Complete text at http://www.pioneerplanet.com/reprints/0826interest.htm)