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New statewide Hub strengthens VABCC’s mission to connect small businesses with capital, resources, and opportunities for sustainable growth
Richmond, Virginia - As National Black Business Month comes to a close, the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce (VABCC) is proud to announce its new partnership with Kiva, a global nonprofit that expands financial access through crowdfunded lending.
Through the partnership, VABCC will serve as a Kiva Hub, helping entrepreneurs throughout Virginia navigate Kiva’s lending process and extending support to eligible business owners nationwide through the Kiva U.S. platform.
Expanding access to capital is a core part of VABCC’s mission to strengthen small businesses and build a more connected and sustainable business ecosystem. The Chamber provides entrepreneurs with education, technical assistance, advocacy, strategic connections, and access to resources designed to help businesses start, grow, and scale.
“Access to capital remains one of the most significant challenges facing small business owners,” said Ernisha M. Hall, President & CEO of the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce. “Becoming a Kiva Hub allows us to add another tangible resource to our capital-access strategy and help entrepreneurs move from simply searching for funding to being better positioned to secure it.”
Through Kiva U.S., eligible entrepreneurs can apply for crowdfunded business loans ranging from $1,000 to $15,000 at 0% interest, with no fees, no collateral, and no minimum credit score. Kiva uses a community-based social underwriting model intended to expand access for entrepreneurs who may not qualify through traditional lending channels.
Kiva Hubs are community-based organizations trained to support small business owners through the Kiva application process and beyond.
“The success of the Kiva U.S. program is fueled by our partnerships with local organizations, such as the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce. These Hub partnerships provide critical ties to communities through knowledge, experience, and a level of understanding that can only be held by organizations embedded in local communities,” said Eli Cherner, Director of Kiva U.S.
The new Kiva Hub will complement VABCC’s existing small business development, financial education, and capital-readiness efforts, providing another pathway for entrepreneurs to access the resources needed to build sustainable businesses and create economic opportunity.
“As we close National Black Business Month, our focus is not simply on celebrating Black businesses for one month,” Hall added. “We are committed to building infrastructure, partnerships, and access that support entrepreneurs 365 days a year. This partnership is another important step in that work.”
Apply for a Kiva Loan
Entrepreneurs interested in applying for a Kiva 0% interest business loan through the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce can apply here: Apply through the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce Kiva Hub
For questions or assistance navigating the process, contact the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce at info@vablackchamber.org.
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