Oakland Thrive has partnered with Kiva U.S., a nonprofit that facilitates no-fee, 0% interest loans to borrowers through millions of lenders and strategic partnerships. Kiva’s crowdfunded microlending bridges the gap between historically marginalized entrepreneurs in the U.S. and business capital.
Oakland Thrive’s dedication to bridging economic disparities, fostering inclusive growth, and ensuring equitable opportunities makes us an ideal partner in Kiva’s mission to expand financial access for entrepreneurs who may face barriers to traditional funding.
As a Trustee, Oakland Thrive will use our network to source entrepreneurs who would benefit from accessible business loans. We will endorse borrowers, vouching for their character and business potential. We will also provide assistance with completing the Kiva application and executing their crowdfunding campaign.
This partnership with Kiva will allow Oakland Thrive to further our impact by providing additional economic development support in Oakland County.
Oakland Thrive will endorse borrowers who demonstrate a clear business purpose, a legitimate need for affordable capital, and a commitment to using the loan to start, stabilize, or grow their business. Our due diligence will include completing an intake form and conversation, confirming that the business is operating or preparing to launch, reviewing the proposed use of funds, assessing the owner’s readiness to repay, and identifying whether the borrower would benefit from Oakland Thrive’s technical assistance, workshops, or partner referrals. We will also consider the entrepreneur’s engagement, follow-through, and ability to communicate their business story to potential lenders. Oakland Thrive will not make endorsements solely based on need. We will endorse borrowers we believe are prepared to use Kiva responsibly and benefit from the additional support available through our small business ecosystem.
Oakland Thrive will:
→ Identify: Connect entrepreneurs in Oakland Thrive’s network with Kiva
→ Evaluate: Responsibly select which entrepreneurs to publicly endorse
→ Support: Help entrepreneurs complete their application, crowdfunding campaign, and repayments as necessary
→ Monitor: Your public profile showcases your repayment rate
Connect with Oakland Thrive to discuss if a Kiva U.S. loan is right for you. Call 248-602-0040, email info@oaklandthrive.org, or fill out this interest form.
Meet the minimum eligibility criteria? Fill out Kiva’s online application!
Oakland Thrive will publicly endorse selected loans on Kiva’s platform.
Prove your creditworthiness by inviting friends, family, and others to lend to you.
Continue crowdfunding on Kiva’s public platform, reaching over 2 million lenders worldwide.
Begin repayment one month after receiving your loan to fulfill your commitment to your supporters.
Questions? Visit here.
Fill out and submit the following intake form.