For Borrowers
Access a 0 percent interest, no-fee microloan and the guidance to use it well. We help Northwest Arkansas entrepreneurs move from idea to funded.
Why Borrow
Crowdfund your dream, change your life.
Fair Funding
0% interest and no fees with a simple, transparent process.
Human Guidance
One-on-one coaching on eligibility, story, private fundraising, and launch.
Community Backing
Engage local lenders and partners who want to see you grow.
How it Works?
Apply
Meet the minimum eligibility criteria and apply.
Invite
Prove your creditworthiness by inviting others to lend to you.
Fundraise
Continue crowdfunding on Kiva’s public platform.
Repay
Begin repayment one month after receiving your loan to fulfill your commitment to your supporters.
Everything You Need to Get Funded
Know if you qualify, what to bring, and each step from private to public.
Who Can Apply
What You’ll Need
We’re With You At Every Step
What The Process Looks Like
Who Can Apply
- You operate or are starting a small business in Northwest Arkansas.
- You are 18+ and can verify your identity and address.
- You can describe your business purpose and how funds will be used
- You have the ability to invite initial supporters during private fundraising
- You agree to Kiva’s borrower terms and a transparent public profile
- You can invite initial supporters during the private phase.
- Prohibited uses: no drug businesses; loan cannot be used to pay off debt or for equity purchases.
Exact loan amount and steps may vary based on your situation
Who Can Apply
- You operate or are starting a small business in Northwest Arkansas.
- You are 18+ and can verify your identity and address.
- You can describe your business purpose and how funds will be used
- You have the ability to invite initial supporters during private fundraising
- You agree to Kiva’s borrower terms and a transparent public profile
- You can invite initial supporters during the private phase.
- Prohibited uses: no drug businesses; loan cannot be used to pay off debt or for equity purchases.
Exact loan amount and steps may vary based on your situation
What You’ll Need
- Basic personal info and government ID.
- Your business story — 3 short paragraphs (who you are, how you started, how the loan will be used).
- One horizontal photo of you at work (storefront /product / branding visible).
- A short list of 5–30 people you can invite to support the private phase.
- Business documents (as many as you have):
- Business bank account statement
- Articles of Organization / Incorporation (or DBA certificate)
- Operating Agreement (LLC) or Bylaws (Corp)
- EIN letter (if applicable)
- Business license or state tax permit
Make sure your business name and address match across all documents.
We’re With You At Every Step
- One-on-one coaching on story, photos, and profile
- Private phase strategy to reach your first lenders
- Campaign guidance when you go public on Kiva
- Bilingual support in English and Spanish
- Resources and workshops throughout the year
Book a meeting with our Hub Director, Claudia Scott, to align goals, funding needs, and your Kiva plan.
What The Process Looks Like
Submit your profile, story, photo, and documents. Kiva reviews for eligibility and readiness.
Invite 5–30 people to lend $25+ each to validate your campaign.
Your loan goes live on Kiva for global funding.
0% interest; repayments usually start ~1 month after disbursement, on a set schedule.
- Prepare: Eligibility check, story, photo, and profile
- Private phase: Invite your first lenders to validate your campaign
- Public phase: Reach a wider community on Kiva until fully funded
- Repayment: 0% interest, on a schedule that matches your loan terms
Timing depends on your readiness and campaign momentum
Who Can Apply
- You operate or are starting a small business in Northwest Arkansas.
- You are 18+ and can verify your identity and address.
- You can describe your business purpose and how funds will be used
- You have the ability to invite initial supporters during private fundraising
- You agree to Kiva’s borrower terms and a transparent public profile
- You can invite initial supporters during the private phase.
- Prohibited uses: no drug businesses; loan cannot be used to pay off debt or for equity purchases.
Exact loan amount and steps may vary based on your situation
What You’ll Need
- Basic personal info and government ID.
- Your business story — 3 short paragraphs (who you are, how you started, how the loan will be used).
- One horizontal photo of you at work (storefront /product / branding visible).
- A short list of 5–30 people you can invite to support the private phase.
- Business documents (as many as you have):
- Business bank account statement
- Articles of Organization / Incorporation (or DBA certificate)
- Operating Agreement (LLC) or Bylaws (Corp)
- EIN letter (if applicable)
- Business license or state tax permit
Make sure your business name and address match across all documents.
We’re With You At Every Step
- One-on-one coaching on story, photos, and profile
- Private phase strategy to reach your first lenders
- Campaign guidance when you go public on Kiva
- Bilingual support in English and Spanish
- Resources and workshops throughout the year
Book a meeting with our Hub Director, Claudia Scott, to align goals, funding needs, and your Kiva plan.
What The Process Looks Like
Submit your profile, story, photo, and documents. Kiva reviews for eligibility and readiness.
Invite 5–30 people to lend $25+ each to validate your campaign.
Your loan goes live on Kiva for global funding.
0% interest; repayments usually start ~1 month after disbursement, on a set schedule.
- Prepare: Eligibility check, story, photo, and profile
- Private phase: Invite your first lenders to validate your campaign
- Public phase: Reach a wider community on Kiva until fully funded
- Repayment: 0% interest, on a schedule that matches your loan terms
Timing depends on your readiness and campaign momentum
Local Matching
If you’re located in Benton or Washington County, every $25 you raise is matched by the Walton Family Foundation, helping you reach your goal faster.
Featured Borrowers
Ready To Move Forward?
Start your application or meet with our team to ask questions and plan your next step.
Frequently Asked Questions?
Answers about 0% interest microloans, how lending works, timelines, eligibility, and bilingual support in NWA.
No. Kiva funds cannot be used for debt repayment or equity purchases.
Yes. For example, Kiva does not fund drug businesses.
Typically 10–15 business days after submitting your application.
Usually 5–30 lenders giving $25+ each within two weeks.
Bank statement, Articles/DBA, Operating Agreement/Bylaws, EIN (if applicable), and business license or state tax permit.
A horizontal photo of you at work; a 3-paragraph story (who you are, how you started, how you’ll use the loan).
