Lisa, from Green Girl Bakeshop - endorsed by Centro Community Partners for a Kiva Zip loan.
Every year, Kiva writes a report on the different areas of their work. This year, we are challenged, excited and finally inspired by the encouraging results shared by Kiva Zip in 2015. Here is a brief summary of data shown on their presentation:
Income and wealth inequality are on the rise in the U.S., yet we believe small businesses can reverse that. Unfortunately, more companies are closing than entering the market in great part because it is increasingly hard to access micro and small loans in America. And that’s where Kiva comes in.
In 2015, 39,014 people crowdfunded $4,715,325 in loans to 811 U.S. small businesses owners looking to make a positive impact in their communities. Kiva Zip’s goal is to raise that number to $8.6 million in 2016 through 1,500 loans endorsed by community Trustees.
At this moment, Kiva Zip has over 700 community Trustees, and Centro is one of them. What's more, Kiva Zip has selected us their top 10 Trustee in the U.S. for 2015! In total, we have endorsed $115,800 in loans for 14 small business owners in the Bay Area who have an outstanding repayment rate of 99%.
Kiva Zip makes 0% of these loans thanks to the generosity and trust of thousands of lenders using Kiva Zip as a way to do good in the world. Altogether, this is proof that being a real community and thriving together is possible.
Let’s do more of it
- Want to make a loan to a small business owner near you? Your loan can be as small as $25. Find a business that inspires you.
- Want to be endorsed by Centro for a Kiva Zip small business loan? We’d love to connect with you. First, check our Borrower Due Diligence.