Welcome to Kiva Northwest Arkansas

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.

Our Approach

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

Lenders

For individuals and partners

Partners

For organizations that want to amplify impact

Success Stories

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.

Kiva Northwest Arkansas
Kiva Northwest Arkansas
Nancy
A loan helped a woman veteran fully launch her produce farm.
Kiva Northwest Arkansas
Lindsay
A loan helped a woman entrepreneur grow her new houseplant and terrarium business.
Kiva Northwest Arkansas
Lakeisha
A loan helped an African American and LGBTQIA business owner to purchase merchandise for her design business.

See How NWA Entrepreneurs Grew With Kiva

$2M+ crowdfunded. 200+ local businesses supported. And we’re just getting started. 

Supported By

Local Partners & Global Network

Proudly part of the Kiva network and locally supported by Startup Junkie Foundation and community partners.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions?

Answers about 0% interest microloans, how lending works, timelines, eligibility, and bilingual support in NWA.

faq

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:

  1. Application Submission: Meet in person to gather documents and submit the application.
  2. Private Phase: You’ll need to get a set number (5–10) of friends, family, or clients to lend $25 each.
  3. 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):

  1. Your personal story
  2. The story of your business
  3. 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.

Kiva Northwest Arkansas
Kiva NWA Celebrates Entrepreneurs, Partners, & Supporters at Annual Kiva NWA Party
Learn how bilingual support is helping Latino entrepreneurs in Northwest Arkansas access funding, overcome barriers, and grow their businesses.
Kiva Northwest Arkansas
Bilingual Support for Latino Entrepreneurs
Learn how bilingual support is helping Latino entrepreneurs in Northwest Arkansas access funding, overcome barriers, and grow their businesses.
Kiva Northwest Arkansas
Kiva NWA Expands Spanish-Language Access to Capital
Kiva NWA is expanding bilingual support to help Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs access 0% interest loans and grow their businesses in Northwest Arkansas.

Start Your 0% Loan Inquiry

Tell us about your business and funding needs. We’ll follow up within 1 business day. Bilingual support (EN/ES).

Contact Information
Business Details
Funding Needs

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Join the Partners List

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