We're delighted to announce the Kiva×LISC Holiday Match campaign! Donate now to our ongoing LISC Kiva Match program and you can help entrepreneurs across the LISC footprint achieve their dream of starting or growing their own business--and create jobs and economic opportunity in the process. And between now and January 5, 2019, LISC will match contributions up to $10,000! How's that for incentive?
Who: You! (With help from Kiva and LISC, of course.)
How: Through the "donate" buttons below and above, individuals and LISC employees can make contributions starting at $25. When you donate, be sure to select "Kiva×LISC Holiday Match" from the "designation" dropdown menu.
What: Your one-time tax-deductible contribution to the LISC Kiva Match program will provide ongoing support for a loan pool that enables one-to-one financing for entrepreneurs. Instead of going directly to a Kiva borrower and being repaid to you (as with a traditional Kiva loan), your donation will be recycled, supporting our organization's match program for multiple borrowers, well into the future.
Why: Because catalyzing vibrant small business communities is a critical part of our mission to expand local access to opportunity and equitable prosperity. And because it's a great way to celebrate the holidays and make your end-of-year donations!
Check out some of our Kiva×LISC successes:
Southeastern Roastery; Washington, DC
Candice Schibli is a Virginia native who was inspired by the developing coffee scene in Washington D.C. She decided to combine her background in engineering and sustainable development with a passion for food and people, and in 2016, she launched her wholesale coffee business, Southeastern Roastery.
In April 2018, Schibli worked closely with staff at LISC DC to apply for a $10,000 Kiva equipment loan. She met her crowdfunding goal in just 12 days and used the funds to purchase a larger roaster which enabled the business to take on larger orders and new accounts.
Golo Family Organic Farms; Waddell, AZ
James Golo and his family, refugees from Liberia’s civil war, lived in a Ghanaian refugee camp for 15 years before the UN’s High Commission for Refugees selected them for relocation to Arizona. During their time in the camp, with only a tent for shelter and no steady source of drinking water, electricity or employment, the Golos taught themselves to grow vegetables. Today, they are the proud owners of Golo Family Organic Farms in Waddell, AZ, and supply fresh, healthy produce to their community through Phoenix farmers markets and other outlets.
Recently the business faced a devastating loss of nine acres of planted crops and was forced to relocate. In August 2018, the Golos worked with LISC Arizona and Community Food Connections to raise a $4000 Kiva loan, matched by LISC, to buy a pump and pipes to irrigate their new land and reestablish crop production and expansion.
Perfect Cleaning Touch; Cincinnati, OH
Perfect Cleaning Touch is family business that started in 2016. It initially was only home cleaning residential services and now is expanding into commercial areas. Yadira’s goal is to make her clients feel happier and healthy by living in a clean environment. After working with LISC Cincinnati and The Latina Entrepreneur Academy to complete an entrepreneurship training program, Yardira connected with Kiva and launched her match campaign.
Yadira raised $5,000 to buy specialty, equipment to expand her services to commercial clientele. She plans to invest $3500 in equipment, $600 in training and supplies and $900 in local and digital advertising and market research.
