Opportunities
Grants, VC funds, accelerators, and competitions for African entrepreneurs.
Grants, VC funds, accelerators, and competitions for African entrepreneurs.
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$1,000-$15,000
Kiva offers 0% interest business loans from $1,000 to $15,000 for applicants in the United States, with no fees, no collateral, and no minimum credit score requirement. Its underwriting emphasizes character rather than credit history, net worth, or years in business. The application takes 30–60 minutes, approval typically takes 10–15 business days, and borrowers usually complete a 10–15 day private fundraising period followed by 20–30 days on Kiva’s public platform. Repayment typically starts one month after disbursement and runs for 12–36 months.
Inclusive underwriting
Kiva emphasizes character over credit and does not require a minimum credit score. Final loan qualification decisions are not based on credit score or credit history, and years in business or net worth do not affect the application.
0% interest, no fees, no collateral
Borrowers can qualify for a no-interest, no-fee, no-collateral loan.
Loan amount
Loans are available between $1,000-$15,000.
Free marketing exposure
When a loan is posted to the Kiva site, it is visible to Kiva’s network of 2.1 million lenders worldwide, with possible additional exposure through Kiva’s blog or social media.
Resources and education
Kiva offers applicants and borrowers resources, tips, borrower experiences, and connections to free business education resources including courses, webinars, workshops, and 1:1 coaching.
Business credit building
Kiva borrowers can build their business credit through Kiva if they choose.
Zero-interest crowdfunded loans for individual entrepreneurs ($25-$15K) and larger risk-tolerant loans for social enterprises (up to $2M). 96.4% repayment rate. 3M+ borrowers served in 90+ countries. Kiva Social Enterprises fills the 'missing middle' — too small for banks, too large for microloans.
Access to crowdfunding community. For social enterprises: capacity building alongside capital.
It's a loan, not a grant — must be repaid. Individual loan sizes are very small.
Plan for the private fundraising stage early: applicants need to invite friends, family, and other supporters to lend during the initial 10–15 day period to demonstrate creditworthiness. In your application, emphasize your character, repayment readiness, and business need rather than relying on credit score or long operating history.
2005
Active Since
Yes
Deploying
Jibu (water, 8 African countries), 3M+ borrowers globally. $1.3B+ in loans facilitated.