Empowering Capital Access With Community
Apply for a 0% interest, no-fee microloan or lend from $25 to help entrepreneurs in Northwest Arkansas start and grow their businesses.
Borrowers
Access Capital
Up to $15,000 at 0% interest with one-on-one guidance.
Lenders
Grow Local Impact
Lend from $25. 100% of your loan goes to supporting borrowers.
Resources
Learn The Steps
Guides, checklists, and events to move forward with confidence.
A Simple, Supported Path To Funding
Northwest Arkansas is full of makers and doers, yet many still lack access to capital. With local backing, we can close that gap and keep our region a thriving hub of innovation, opportunity, and inclusive growth.
How it Works
Here’s what to expect, it’s easier than you think.
Eligibility
What you need to get started.
Your Story
Craft a clear 3-paragraph story + photo.
Private Phase
Activate your first 5–30 lenders.
Public Campaign
Go live on Kiva and fund your loan.
Choose The Path That Fits You
Borrowers
For early-stage and growing businesses
- 0% interest, no fees
- Up to $15,000
- One-on-one guidance
Lenders
For individuals and partners
- Start at $25
- Track progress and relend
- 100% of your loan supports borrowers
Partners
For organizations that want to amplify impact
- Sponsor local campaigns
- Host info sessions
- Fund matching opportunities
See How NWA Entrepreneurs Grew With Kiva
Local borrowers used 0% interest, no-fee microloans—and the support of community lenders—to launch and grow real businesses across Northwest Arkansas.
Nancy
Lindsay
Lakeisha
See How NWA Entrepreneurs Grew With Kiva
$2M+ crowdfunded. 200+ local businesses supported. And we’re just getting started.
Local Partners & Global Network
Proudly part of the Kiva network and locally supported by Startup Junkie Foundation and community partners.
Frequently Asked Questions?
Answers about 0% interest microloans, how lending works, timelines, eligibility, and bilingual support in NWA.
Kiva is a crowdfunded loan platform for small businesses. Kiva provides zero-interest, zero-fee loans. Individual lenders from around the world fund these loans in increments, typically $25 each.
Up to $15,000 at 0% interest, with no fees.
The process has three main stages:
- Application Submission: Meet in person to gather documents and submit the application.
- Private Phase: You’ll need to get a set number (5–10) of friends, family, or clients to lend $25 each.
- Public Phase: Once the private goal is met, your profile goes live on Kiva’s platform, and the global community can fund the rest of the loan.
You don’t need all documents to start, but here’s what’s ideal:
- Business bank account statement or documentation
- Articles/Certificate of Organization or Incorporation (or DBA certificate)
- Signed and dated Operating Agreement (LLC) or Bylaws (Corp)
- IRS EIN document (if applicable)
- Any relevant business licenses or tax permits
Note: Make sure all documents have matching names and addresses.
Yes. You must provide a horizontal photo of yourself visibly connected to your business (e.g., in front of your office, wearing branded apparel, etc.).
Yes, three short paragraphs (max 300 words each):
- Your personal story
- The story of your business
- How you will use the loan
Send these to your hub contact for review.
There are three main phases:
- Application & Approval (takes about 5 days)
- Private Funding Phase (within 2 weeks)
- Public Funding Phase (your loan is visible to Kiva’s 2.2M+ global lenders for up to 30 days)
Contact your Kiva Hub representative to schedule a call or in-person meeting to move forward.
Blog & News
Latest stories from our borrowers, Kiva NWA, and the local community.
