Rethinking Creditworthiness
We provide crowd-funding opportunities for entrepreneurs where conventional lenders won’t.
At Kiva, we believe in character over credit and the power of community-based lending.
What can Kiva offer you, the borrower?
0% interest
At Kiva you can qualify for a loan between $1,000-$15,000, with no interest! Seriously. Whether you’re in the idea phase, start-up mode, or an established business, you can apply. And the money can go towards any business purpose: working capital, equipment, inventory, marketing, or project-based investments. Whatever will help your business.
Flexible repayment plans
Everyone’s business repayment abilities are different. When you apply, you can choose what works for you. Kiva repayment terms are anywhere from 6 months to 3 years, and repayments are made monthly. You can choose if you would prefer to pay off the loan faster or, alternatively, have a lower monthly payment. And if you are doing well and want to pay off your loan ahead of time, you can do that, too!
No minimum credit score
Kiva does not grant loans based on credit scores or history. In fact, we never reject an entrepreneur because of their credit, net worth, or years in business. Instead, while we do look at your financials, we prioritize your character, the impact your loan will have on your community, and how much support you have from your community. This is shown by proving to us that you have a network of people who believe in you and your business and are willing to back you (vouch for you, in a way).
Free marketing
When your loan is posted to the Kiva site, it becomes visible to our network of 2.1M lenders worldwide. The exposure can get you new customers interested in your business and in buying from you or using your services! There is also the possibility that we’ll spotlight your business on our blog or social media, making your business visible to even more potential customers!
Access to Kiva Resources
Kiva US has been around for 12 years, and in that time we’ve learned a lot. We offer applicants and borrowers alike many lots of resources, tips, and previous borrower experiences on a range of topics. Check them out at the Kiva US Borrower Resource Center.
Access to the Kiva Network
Steps of Crowd-lending with
1. Apply
Filling out the application takes about 30 minutes to an hour. Click here to check if you qualify and to easily complete our online application. Want to know more about applying? Click here.
2. Private Fundraising
This period takes up to 15 days. Your profile is open only to your friends, family, and other members of your community with whom you share your personal link. Each loan you receive during Private Fundraising serves as a character reference for you and your business. Because of this, it is important to encourage your community to lend to you. $25 is the minimum amount anyone can lend.
* Remember: it is a loan, not a donation. You will be repaying these supporters of yours!
Want to know more about Private Fundraising? Click here.
3. Public Fundraising
Your loan profile on the Kiva site goes PUBLIC in this step! That means anyone and everyone can now see your loan, read about your business, and lend. This Public Fundraising period takes up to 30 days. We recommend you continue to harness the power of your social network to promote your Kiva campaign during this time! Want to know more about Public Fundraising? Click here.
4. Repay
Repayment of your loan will take up to 36 months after disbursal. As you use your loan funds to expand or invest in your business, you will make monthly repayments to your lenders who supported and continue to support you.
Want to learn more about the repayment process? Click here.