This post is an updated version of the original post from January 27, 2017.
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Whether you are a Kiva business, thinking about raising money on Kiva, or know someone who might benefit from a Kiva loan, the series of articles featured in this post will help you understand how Kiva works and navigate Kiva's loan process.
Shortly after we featured him in an interview, Dave Bayless, co-founder of Human Scale Business Network, became so interested Kiva's US program that he created a case study of the Kiva loan process.
A non-profit can seek grants and donations. A typical for-profit business can offer a return to attract investors. A not-just-for-profit company that seeks to maximize its charitable giving can find itself in something of a no-man's-land.
Dave found the perfect opportunity to showcase Kiva's innovative lending program by documenting the experience of Josh Allen, an entrepreneur with a strong social conscience. Josh founded and operates WO Design, a pet supply company with a social mission to support Widows and Orphans in Ethiopia. Inspired by the TOMS One for One® model, Josh designates a portion of every sale to cover the cost of two meals.
Tired of the demanding requirements of rewards-based crowdfunding campaigns, Josh turned to Kiva for a loan to design new products and find a manufacturing partner. Dave writes about Josh's experience in a series of 4 articles, tracing Josh's journey through the Kiva process. These articles give an inside view of what it's like to go through the Kiva process, from starting an application to getting funded. The articles are peppered with Josh's reflections on his experience, as well as tips from Josh and Kiva staff.
This is a useful read for those seeking to gain a deeper understanding of what Kiva's process is like for an entrepreneur, as well those interested in learning more about Josh's not-just-for-profit business!
Read the posts here, where you can also enter your email address to receive a free PDF download of the synthesized case study.