Kiva U.S.

Kiva U.S. is the US operation of Kiva, a nonprofit organization that provides 0% interest microloans to small business owners and entrepreneurs. Kiva is unique in the lending world because its loans are crowdfunded, meaning real people around the world contribute small amounts to collectively fund each loan, rather than the money coming from a bank or institutional lender.

Kiva is a CDFI, or Community Development Financial Institution, certified by the US Treasury Department. CDFIs are mission-driven organizations focused on expanding access to capital for underserved communities. Kiva's specific mission is to help entrepreneurs who have been excluded from conventional financing, including those in low-income communities, minority-owned businesses and individuals with limited credit history.

Kiva U.S. offers microloans of up to $25,000 with 0% interest to qualifying borrowers. Because there is no interest, the only cost of borrowing is the principal amount you borrow, which must be fully repaid. Loan terms can extend up to three years. The application process is different from a bank loan: you create a public Kiva profile and fundraise support from the Kiva lender community, which is part of what makes the model unique.

Because Kiva loans are crowdfunded by individual lenders rather than institutional capital, loan availability depends on successfully completing the fundraising campaign on the Kiva platform.

Kiva is designed for entrepreneurs who need a small amount of capital to start or grow a business and may not qualify for conventional financing. It is not suited to businesses looking for large loan amounts or rapid funding. If you are exploring Kiva, visit their website to understand the application and fundraising process in full.