Kiva Loans in the Time of Coronavirus
As part of our continuing efforts to support your business during this uncertain time, we are dedicated to continuing to share with you policy updates, resources, and business tips to help during uncertain times. While no individual measure will provide a perfect solution, we hope to provide you with tools to help in the process.


What is a Kiva Loan?
Kiva is an online crowdfunding program that provides 0% interest loans to entrepreneurs and start-up businesses.

How Does a Kiva Loan Work?
What makes Kiva loans different from most traditional loans is that, after the borrower applies, they facilitate a private fundraising period in which friends and family lend as little as $25 each. After that, the application is posted online for a public fundraising period.

Learn more about the full Kiva loan process here .

Kiva Loan Eligibility
A Kiva borrower must:
• Be at least 18 years old
• Use the loan for a legal business
• Not currently be in bankruptcy or foreclosure
• Not currently be in a business involved in multilevel marketing

What do Kiva Lenders Look for?
Kiva reviews a variety of factors, including:
• Personal and business finances
• Online presence
• Character references
• Photo quality
• Loan narrative quality
• Credit score (low credit scores will not prevent you from receiving a Kiva Loan)

What Changes Have Been Made to Kiva Loans During COVID-19?
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kiva US is offering small business applicants expanded loan sizes - now up to $15,000 - and pay back grace periods up to 6 months . Please find an announcement about Kiva US product changes  here . An FAQ regarding the product changes can be found  here .
 
  1. To apply: kiva.org/borrow
  2. For help: kivaushub.org/application
  3. Contact: madison@local.kiva.org
Upcoming Webinar, Featuring SBDC Staff
Local Business Resource Panel: How To Excel In Times of Crisis
Thursday, March 26, 2020
12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
To register for this free event, visit their website .

Local experts from the Wisconsin SBDC at UW-Madison, Dane Buy Local, the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, and Mid-West Family Madison will share important tips and tactics to help local businesses through tough times.

Agenda
  • Tools and tips local businesses are using to navigate the COVID-19 epidemic.
  • Understanding SBA Disaster Loans and tips to help with cash flow issues caused by COVID-19.
  • How to use media to not only survive but to thrive during a recession.
  • Local resources available to small business owners and how we're able to help each other.
The Wisconsin SBDC Network is a proud part of the  Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship  in the  University of Wisconsin System . It is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the  U.S. Small Business Administration.