Kiva Microloans
Through our partnership with the online crowdfunding platform 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 Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
Expanding Access to Capital Based on Character, Not Credit
Rather than evaluating a borrower's credit-worthiness based on credit scores, collateral, and cash flow, Kiva loans are based on a borrower's character and trust network. Our network of Trustees -- local organizations that vouch for an entrepreneur's character and the viability of her business -- endorse borrowers, who can then begin fundraising on the Kiva website. Members of the entrepreneur's personal network, as well as individual lenders from around the world, lend as little as $25 towards the fundraising goal, and borrowers repay them within three years.
Kiva en Español
LISC Greater Cincinnati has helped to fund these entrepreneurs
A loan of $10,000 helped pay the weekly commercial kitchen fees to produce bakery products for a major grocery store chain.
A loan of $3,000 helped to provide working capital for my business and furnish event space.
A loan of $2,000 helped me to step into a brick and mortar location in Cincinnati, Ohio, as well as purchase furniture and inventory.
A loan of $10,000 helped purchase commercial equipment and wrap my new food truck, boosting advertising, ensuring we are in compliance and helping to gain working capital for my business.