Kiva Northwest Arkansas is a local hub of the global Kiva network, helping underserved entrepreneurs, especially women, immigrants, and minorities, access fair financing based on character, not credit history.
Founded in December 2019 with generous support from the Walton Family Foundation, Kiva Northwest Arkansas (NWA) launched as a local chapter of the global Kiva platform, a nonprofit organization founded in 2005 with a mission to expand financial access through crowdfunded microloans. Kiva has since connected millions of lenders to entrepreneurs in more than 80 countries, breaking down barriers to capital for those excluded from traditional financing.
Kiva NWA made its first loan in early 2020, marking the beginning of a growing movement to empower small business owners across the region. Over the past six years, the program has helped nearly 200 entrepreneurs access more than $2 million in zero-interest, community-backed capital, fueling local innovation and strengthening the inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem of Northwest Arkansas.
Kiva NWA is a community-driven initiative dedicated to expanding access to opportunity by connecting entrepreneurs with crowdfunded capital. Through collaboration, accessibility, and empowerment, we help small business owners and innovators overcome financial barriers and build thriving ventures that strengthen Northwest Arkansas’ entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Kiva removes traditional financial barriers to entrepreneurs who may be excluded from mainstream financing. This ensures that opportunity is accessible to all, regardless of background or credit history.
Through crowdfunding, Kiva connects local entrepreneurs with a global network of lenders. This strengthens community ownership and demonstrates the power of collective support and belief in local talent.
Kiva promotes innovation and self-sufficiency, helping small business owners take the next step. Whether launching, expanding, or stabilizing their ventures. It values creativity, resilience, and determination in entrepreneurship
These are the people who will help you get started, answer your questions, and guide you from application to funding with bilingual support at every step.
Claudia Scott serves as the Director of Entrepreneurial Access and Kiva NWA at Startup Junkie, where she leads efforts to expand capital access and support for small businesses and underserved entrepreneurs across Northwest Arkansas. Under her direction, Kiva loan funding in the region has grown by 2.5 times while maintaining one of the highest repayment rates in the country. More than 80% of these loans go to entrepreneurs from underserved communities, advancing economic equity and opportunity throughout the region.
Originally from Costa Rica, Claudia holds a Master’s in Human Resources and Workforce Development from the University of Arkansas and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Strategic Communication from the University of the Ozarks. Fluent in English and Spanish, she’s passionate about inclusion and advocacy—especially around Tourette Syndrome and neurodiversity—and uses her platform to create more equitable and empowering spaces for all entrepreneurs.
Claudia Scott serves as the Director of Entrepreneurial Access and Kiva NWA at Startup Junkie, where she leads efforts to expand capital access and support for small businesses and underserved entrepreneurs across Northwest Arkansas. Under her direction, Kiva loan funding in the region has grown by 2.5 times while maintaining one of the highest repayment rates in the country. More than 80% of these loans go to entrepreneurs from underserved communities, advancing economic equity and opportunity throughout the region.
Originally from Costa Rica, Claudia holds a Master’s in Human Resources and Workforce Development from the University of Arkansas and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Strategic Communication from the University of the Ozarks. Fluent in English and Spanish, she’s passionate about inclusion and advocacy—especially around Tourette Syndrome and neurodiversity—and uses her platform to create more equitable and empowering spaces for all entrepreneurs.
Ignacio Balderrama serves as the Marketing and Outreach Associate for Kiva Northwest Arkansas at Startup Junkie, where he supports efforts to expand capital access and community engagement for small businesses and underserved entrepreneurs across the region. In this role, he manages Kiva NWA’s social media presence, oversees outreach and lender follow-ups, and builds relationships that connect local supporters with impactful lending opportunities.
Ignacio has contributed to Kiva NWA’s continued growth by leading the 2024 lending forecast and analysis, providing key insights to guide strategic decision-making, and securing sponsorships to help fund the 2025 Kiva NWA Party—a celebration of local entrepreneurs and the power of community lending. His work reflects a commitment to both data-driven impact and inclusive storytelling, helping strengthen awareness of Kiva’s mission throughout Northwest Arkansas.
Originally from Bolivia, Ignacio brings a global perspective and a deep passion for economic empowerment to his work. With a focus on equity and entrepreneurship, he strives to make microlending more accessible and to foster opportunities that uplift diverse communities across the region.
Ignacio Balderrama serves as the Marketing and Outreach Associate for Kiva Northwest Arkansas at Startup Junkie, where he supports efforts to expand capital access and community engagement for small businesses and underserved entrepreneurs across the region. In this role, he manages Kiva NWA’s social media presence, oversees outreach and lender follow-ups, and builds relationships that connect local supporters with impactful lending opportunities.
Ignacio has contributed to Kiva NWA’s continued growth by leading the 2024 lending forecast and analysis, providing key insights to guide strategic decision-making, and securing sponsorships to help fund the 2025 Kiva NWA Party—a celebration of local entrepreneurs and the power of community lending. His work reflects a commitment to both data-driven impact and inclusive storytelling, helping strengthen awareness of Kiva’s mission throughout Northwest Arkansas.
Start your application or meet with our team to ask questions and plan your next step.
Tell us about your business and funding needs. We’ll follow up within 1 business day. Bilingual support (EN/ES).
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