Project Description


Kiva is an international non-profit that enables entrepreneurs in underserved communities to access 0% interest small business loans. These loans are crowdfunded by lenders from around the world that read your story, lend you as little as $25 each, and rally around your business as potential customers, business advisers, and brand ambassadors.

The KIVA Loan

  • Up to 10,000
  • 0% Interest
  • No fees
  • Terms up to 2 years
  • No credit score, collateral, business plan or financial statements required
  • Crowdfunded by borrower’s personal and professional network as well as Kiva U.S. lenders

Uses for KIVA Loans

  • Hire staff
  • Purchase or upgrade equipment
  • Business management software
  • Working capital for inventory
  • Space renovations
  • Certifications and licensing
  • Market booths
  • A website and marketing presence
  • Expand product lines
  • Marketing & advertising

To be eligible for a Kiva Zip Loan, you must meet the following requirements:

  • No past due debt (defined as debt older than 90 days), except up to $1,000 of medical debt
  • Monthly household debt payments to income ratio below
  • 30% (excluding mortgage payments)
  • Borrower cannot currently be in bankruptcy or foreclosure
  • Annual income of less than $100K
  • Must have or create a PayPal account
  • At least 18 years of age
  • Not involve in multi-level marketing or illegal activities
  • Invite at least 15-30 individuals to lend as little as $25 each to their campaign