Kiva Rochester

Our Story

Mayor Lovely Warrren is proud to present Rochester's most innovative and accessible resource for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Launched by the Mayor’s Office of Innovation and Strategic Initiatives in August 2016, the City of Rochester partnered with Kiva, an international microfinance nonprofit to increase access to capital for low-income and underserved entrepreneurs. The Kiva Rochester teams connects entrepreneurs with Kiva’s 0% interest and no fee crowdfunded microloans of up to $10,000. Kiva Rochester provides an exciting opportunity for small businesses to access financing based on their character, social networks, and the potential to be a force for good in the Rochester community - not just their past credit history. Over 80 small business owners have fundraised $400,000+ in 0% interest loans to launch and grow their businesses right here in our city, helping to contribute to a more diverse and inclusive small business community.