Through facilitating access to capital, we strive to empower small business owners and future entrepreneurs to reach their goals.

What is Kiva?

Founded in 2005, Kiva is a pivotal first step in accessing capital, and it is one of the only small business loan providers that lend from $1,000 - $15,000. Since 2019, Kiva Hubs have expanded from two programs to over 40, helping applicants in the United States access more than 7,500 loans. In total, Kiva has loaned over $44 million to small businesses across 47 states.

Wilmington Alliance and Cornerstone West CDC are partnering in bringing Kiva Delaware to life. More access to capital helps leverage small business ownership as a way to reduce income inequality and provide greater financial security to residents in Wilmington and throughout the state. If you are interested in supporting this important work to support local entrepreneurs, consider making a donation.

Donate to Support Delaware's Entrepreneurs

Become a Borrower

Apply:
- Find out if you're prequalified, then easily fill out our online application.
- Filling out the application usually takes 30 minutes.
- Eligibility Requirements
Invite:
- Prove your creditworthiness by inviting friends and family to lend to you.
- Loans can start at $25.
- You will have up to 15 days to reach out to family and friends.
Fundraise:
- The Capital Access Manager will help you go public on Kiva with your loan visible to over 1.6 million lenders worldwide.
- You will have up to 30 days to fundraise
Repay:
- Build your customer base by repaying your Kiva loan.
- You will have up to 36 months to repay.

Loan Qualifications

Unlike traditional bank loans, Kiva loans don’t require a minimum credit score, years of cash flow documents or collateral. But you do need to meet the following minimum criteria in order to be considered:

You and your business must be based in the United States.
You must be over 18 years old.
You must be using the loan for business purposes.
Your business must not be engaged in any of the following activities: multi-level marketing / direct sales; illegal activities (e.g. gambling, scams); or pure financial investing (e.g. stocks)
You cannot currently be in foreclosure, bankruptcy, or under any liens.
You must be willing to demonstrate your social capital by having a small number of your friends and family make a loan to you.

Become a Lender

Make a loan, change a life. It's a simple 4 step process:

Select a Borrower: Browse by category and find an entrepreneur to support.
Make a Loan: Help fund a loan with as little as $25
Get Repaid: Kiva borrowers have a 96% repayment rate historically.
Repeat: Lend your money again or withdraw your funds.

For more information contact Mary Easley, Capital Access Manager

(302) 219-4629, delaware@local.kiva.org