Community-Backed Loans. We Care About Your Character, Not Your Credit Score.

Kiva Fresno helps financially excluded entrepreneurs in Fresno County gain access to capital by providing no-interest, no-fee community-backed business loans on its global online platform. Kiva loans range from $1,000 to $15,000 for up to three years. Kiva can be the first rung on an otherwise inaccessible capital ladder for some small businesses.

How to Borrow

Kiva’s unique community-backed model helps business owners access loans with the help of their communities. (Nonprofits with earned income streams are eligible for Kiva loans, too.)

Kiva determines the loan amount based on many factors, including finances, social media presence and quality of narrative. Kiva loans can be used for many different business expenses. It’s up to you, the business owner, to put the loan to its best use.

Minimum Requirements

• Business is based in the U.S.
• At least 18 years old
• Debt to income ratio is lower than 80%
• Not in current bankruptcy or foreclosure
• Not a registered sex offender or terrorist
• No violent or financial criminal convictions in the last five years
• Must have a PayPal account to receive funds

As Kiva’s local operating partner, Kiva Fresno works with borrowers throughout the application, fundraising and repayment process to help them succeed.

Local contact: Rick Keyes, Capital Access Manager, Kiva Fresno, (559) 441-7929, ext. 506, fresno@local.kiva.org (*Rick will be notified when you apply)