Kiva Small Business Microloans

LISC Small Business and Kiva are partnering together to expand financial opportunities for underserved entrepreneurs in the United States. Through Kiva, we are increasing access to capital for entrepreneurs. Small business owners can apply for loans of up to $10,000, with zero fees and 0% interest. We place special emphasis on women- and minority-owned businesses in the Greater Kansas City area. 

Unique Features of the Kiva Program 

• Using social underwriting to expand access to capital - Instead of evaluating credit‐worthiness based on credit scores, collateral and cash flow, Kiva looks at a borrower’s character and trust network. Borrowers must invite lenders from their own personal networks before gaining access to Kiva's broader community of  lenders.
• Lowering the cost of capital - Kiva leverages technology to provide 0% interest loans. All loan disbursements and repayments are done through PayPal, which waives all fees for Kiva.
• Fostering connections between entrepreneurs and lenders - Entrepreneurs and lenders can communicate to each other directly through the Kiva website, allowing entrepreneurs to provide updates on their progress and lenders to give feedback and support.
• As a Kiva borrower, you'll be able to - Finance new product lines, purchase equipment and inventory, upgrade your technology, ramp up your marketing, and much more!

Get there faster with our 1:1 match

Greater Kansas City LISC is able to match all contributions to borrowers who have been endorsed by our Trustees. Eligible borrowers receive a 1:1 LISC match on the first $5,000 raised through the Kiva loan program. That means you can meet your fundraising goal -- and get to work on improving or expanding your business -- twice as fast!

How do you qualify for a Kiva loan? 

• You must be at least 18 years of age.
• You cannot currently be in bankruptcy or foreclosure. You must be able to create a PayPal account.
• Show your support to the Kiva community by lending $25 to another fundraising  borrower.
• Before your loan is posted live on the Kiva website, you must secure lenders from your own personal network as a sign of your character and trustworthiness.
• Emphasis on borrowers with annual household income below $100,000.