At NewBoCo, we’re thrilled to celebrate an exciting milestone for Kiva Iowa—we’ve now supported more than 100 small business borrowers across 36 unique Iowa cities, ensuring that business owners from diverse backgrounds have access to capital through the power of crowdfunding! Since launching in late 2021, Kiva Iowa has facilitated over $730,000 in interest-free, small business loans, helping entrepreneurs start or grow their businesses without the burden of high-interest debt. Kiva’s microlending platform enables people across the globe to expand capital access for financially excluded entrepreneurs, a lending network made up of over 2.1 million individuals. These loans are more than just capital; they’re a vote of confidence in our state’s creators, makers, and doers.
From Main Street shops and neighborhood bakeries to mobile services and creative startups, businesses funded through Kiva Iowa are building vibrant, resilient communities. And what unites them isn’t a perfect credit score or collateral—it’s grit, passion, and a clear vision for how they want to serve their community.
“As we continue to prioritize character over credit, our organization is committed to accelerating financial inclusion and ensuring that all people living in our Iowa communities have the power to create opportunity for themselves and their families,” said Kaitlin Byers, Capital Access Manager, Kiva Iowa.
We’re proud to partner with Kiva to provide 0% interest, no-fee, community-backed loans of up to $15,000—especially for entrepreneurs often locked out of traditional funding. That includes business owners who are women, immigrants, people of color, rural entrepreneurs, and others historically excluded from traditional funding institutions.
This milestone is only possible thanks to the lenders, supporters, and community champions who have funded these loans, one contribution at a time.
Make your impact today by lending a Kiva Iowa borrower $25 (or more!). You’ll be helping someone take a powerful step forward in their small business journey—buying equipment, hiring staff, expanding services, or opening their first brick-and-mortar location.