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.
Kiva Webinar Series: The Basics of Kiva
REDC is hosting a virtual webinar series to introduce 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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Our next webinar is on Wednesday, October 16th at 12 pm, and will contain a roundtable discussion featuring previous Kiva borrowers, who will share their experiences with the platform and offer tips and advice for potential new borrowers.
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​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.