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Kiva
Kiva is an international nonprofit that connects online lenders to entrepreneurs through an online lending platform. Crowdfund loans unlock capital for underserved communities and those experiencing underlying barriers to capital access.​
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REDC is the Kiva Hub for New Hampshire. We assist you with the Kiva process and also provide free business advising and technical assistance that is crucial for strengthening small businesses.
Loan Amount
$1,000 - $15,000
Zero Interest
Zero Fees
Terms up to 36 months
Connect with individual lenders looking to make a positive impact by supporting small businesses
The Process
Step 1 (Usually less than 14 days)
Start a loan application. Good applications have:
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A clear business story
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A great photo
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A strong online presence
Step 2 (1-15 Days)
Private fundraising period
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Utilize your social network and gather 10 - 40 friends to each lend as little as $25
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Prove your own community trusts you, before borrowing from the Kiva community
Step 3 (1-30 Days)
Public fundraising period
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Your application is live on Kiva’s platform
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Visible to 1.7 million lenders from the global Kiva community
Step 4 - Repayment
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Funds disbursed within 5 days of fully funding
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1st repayment due 30 days after disbursal
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Regular monthly repayments thereafter
A Kiva U.S. borrower must
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Use the loan for a legal business
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Be at least 18 years old
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Not currently be in bankruptcy or foreclosure
What loan size do I qualify for?
Kiva U.S. looks at a variety of factors, including but not limited to the following: personal and business finances, online presence, character references, photo quality, and the quality of your loan description.
Reach out to REDC's Kiva Hub Capital Access Manager to set up an appointment to discuss the Kiva process.
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Kiva Events and Webinars
Unlock Funding for Your Small Business with Kiva – A 0% Interest Loan Opportunity
Join us in person on July 16th from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM for an exciting and informative workshop all about the Kiva microloan program—a unique, 0% interest, $0 fee loan crowdfunded by people who want to support small businesses like yours. Learn everything you need to know from REDC Business Advisor Liz Salas and Program Coordinator Adam Moaratty, who will walk you through how Kiva works and how you can take advantage of this powerful funding option.
Stick around after the presentation to network with fellow entrepreneurs and take advantage of a special bonus: free professional headshots by REDC Design Advisor Laura Harper Lake!
Please note: headshot sessions are limited to the first 10–12 attendees who sign up—so be sure to register early to reserve your spot!​
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Kiva Webinars
REDC's virtual webinar series covers many topics related to Kiva, a global crowdfunding platform that provides small business owners in New Hampshire the opportunity to obtain a loan with 0% interest and $0 in fees. REDC clients and non-clients alike are welcome to attend.
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At these free webinar, our advisors will walk you through every step of the Kiva process, from submitting the initial application to loan disbursal and repayment.
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The next webinar will be announced in the summer 2025.
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A recording of a Kiva Borrower Roundtable webinar we recently held is now available. REDC Business Advisor Liz Salas and Kiva Hub Capital Access Manager Adam Moaratty were joined in this discussion by small business owners who have received Kiva loans: Carmen Fernández , owner of Carmández Floral + Art Studio, and Lisa Carter, owner of Drinkwater Productions & Marketing.
​REDC would like to recognize the support of Mascoma Community Development, who has generously sponsored the NH Kiva hub, making it possible for more small businesses to receive technical assistance and support.
