At Kiva, we believe that dreams are universal — but opportunity is not. That’s why we connect everyday people with local small business owners serving their communities, crowdfunding loans that unlock solutions to their most pressing needs. Because when money flows to the right people, real impact follows.
We know real impact takes more than capital — it takes collaboration with partners who share our belief in powering growth opportunities.
That’s why we’re proud to partner with Etsy — the global marketplace for unique and creative goods. Together, we’re supporting creative entrepreneurs by expanding access to capital and opportunities for makers, artists, and independent business owners who lack access to traditional financial systems.
What does real impact actually look like?
In the U.S., Kiva has facilitated over $78 million in zero-interest, zero-fee, no-collateral microloans to more than 10,800 borrowers across 48 states. These loans have kept businesses open, created jobs, boosted confidence, and sparked millions in additional investment.
We see real change in the ripple effects of this risk-tolerant capital — for the people we support, their families, and their communities.
For many, Kiva is the only option:
77% say they wouldn’t have found a good alternative.
1 in 4 say they would have had to close their business without the loan.
The impact doesn’t stop at access — it builds long-term financial confidence and momentum:
69% now feel confident they could access a line of credit.
55% say their Kiva loan helped them qualify for additional financing.
52% have already secured more funding since receiving their loan.
From vision to real change: how Etsy is helping us bridge the gap
Social impact is woven into Etsy’s DNA – from how it operates to how it empowers its global community of sellers. At the heart of this commitment is a simple but powerful mission: to keep commerce human. It’s a mission brought to life through programs that advance economic growth and expand opportunity.
Etsy recognizes that creative entrepreneurship can be a meaningful path to economic independence, enabling people to turn their unique talents into thriving small or microbusinesses. Yet many communities still face significant barriers to entry. That’s why, in 2021, Etsy launched the Uplift Fund to support nonprofits that deliver resources and funding to creative entrepreneurs.
At Kiva, we’re proud to be one of the nonprofit partners supported by the Uplift Fund in 2025. Thanks to Etsy’s generous support, we’re expanding our reach to more creative entrepreneurs. This grant helps us enhance their experience and boost their success on Kiva’s crowdfunding platform. At the same time, it allows us to build on our momentum and connect even more makers and artists with the resources they need to succeed.
Building on over a decade of experience, since 2011 Kiva U.S. has facilitated more than $19 million in microloans to borrowers in the Arts, Retail, and Clothing sectors. In both 2023 and 2024, we supported over $1 million in microloans each year for more than 130 early-stage small businesses focused on artists and creators — highlighting the ongoing need and meaningful impact within this creative community.
Creative economy: Refers to economic activity rooted in creativity, culture, and knowledge—generating income, jobs, and innovation. It spans sectors like art, design, media, and crafts, often intersecting with tech, intellectual property, and tourism. Beyond its economic impact, it also promotes cultural diversity, social inclusion, and equitable development. [Source: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)]
So far, our partnership with Etsy has unlocked over $360,000 in Kiva loans for 59 creative entrepreneurs across the U.S. With access to this risk-tolerant, patient, and affordable capital, these creative entrepreneurs are turning their passions into viable small businesses — or sustainably growing the ones they’ve already built — creating jobs, increasing incomes, and building wealth in their communities.
“Building a more inclusive small business ecosystem depends on partnerships like the one we have with Etsy. These partnerships are truly at the core of what we do. Their support allows us to reach creative entrepreneurs who are often left out of traditional funding, connecting them with the capital needed to grow and thrive. – Eli Cherner, Director of Kiva U.S.
Small businesses make up 99.9% of all U.S. businesses, employing nearly half of the private workforce and generating the vast majority of new jobs. And while precise data on small creative businesses is limited, we know that arts and cultural production added over $1.1 trillion to the U.S. economy in 2022 — about 4.3% of GDP — and supported 5.2 million jobs.
Still, challenges persist, preventing many creators from securing the resources they need to build and grow their businesses. Thanks to the support from Etsy’s Uplift Fund, we’re expanding access to capital, fostering economic opportunity, and helping more creators, artists, designers, and makers build their vision.
Here are a few stories that show what this support makes possible.
Expressing tradition through woven textiles
Isabel, an entrepreneur and Kiva U.S. borrower based in Arvada, Colorado, learned the art of crochet at a young age, remembering how her mom taught her to knit and design her own clothes. During the pandemic, financial need led her to turn that lifelong hobby into a business: Osnorios Handmade. She's grateful not only for the opportunity to share pieces of her Mexican culture through her work, but also to create local jobs.
With the support of 75 Kiva lenders worldwide, Isabel fully funded her zero-interest, zero-fee $7,500 Kiva loan in August 2025, and has since invested the funds in a printer, materials for product development, marketing, and hiring.
“Through her business, Isabel is teaching other women advanced crocheting and knitting skills, which they use to create and sell unique, personalized products that generate additional income for their families.”
– Prairie Rose Development Corporation, Kiva U.S. partner that guided Isabel through the loan application process
Read Isabel’s full story here and see her Etsy shop here.
Honoring heritage through handcrafted wooden watches
Kristian, an entrepreneur and Kiva U.S. borrower based in Chicago, Illinois, had spent years exploring wood carving and artistic design as a personal passion before turning his craft into a business, Kristan Time. Through his work, he’s grateful to connect people with more than just a product - each handcrafted wooden watch is a piece of art that tells a story, shaped by his Ukrainian heritage and personal dedication to quality and detail.
With the support of 33 Kiva lenders worldwide, Kristian fully funded his zero-interest, zero-fee $5,000 Kiva loan in June 2025. He has since invested the funds in professional-grade machinery, allowing him to work more efficiently and create watches with even greater care, character, and detail.
“What motivates me the most is knowing that my work brings joy to others and helps preserve traditional craftsmanship. Each watch I send abroad carries not just time but a story — of resilience, of art, of values.”
Read Kristian’s full story here and see his Etsy shop here.
Promoting wellness through natural self-care, inspired by culture
Tremaine, an entrepreneur and Kiva U.S. borrower based in Charleston, South Carolina, launched her business, Naturally Geechee, about a decade ago after a health diagnosis prompted her to reevaluate her lifestyle. Drawing inspiration from her Gullah Geechee heritage and motivated by a desire to support others on a natural healing journey, Tremaine developed organic hair and skincare products to help address dry skin, eczema, and hair loss.
With the support of 51 Kiva lenders worldwide, Tremaine fully funded her zero-interest, zero-fee $4,500 Kiva loan in March 2025, and has since invested the funds in equipment, inventory, marketing and advertising, business software, and shipping and delivery.
Naturally Geechee continues to grow and is now available in museums and specialty stores, and Tremaine’s business saavy has been recognized with awards including Entrepreneur of the Year and Female Business Person of the Year.
“Tremaine ‘Abenaa’ is a graduate of Lowcountry Local First's Community Business Academy (a 12-week course offering hands-on training in business planning and management) and a Ready, Set, Pitch! finalist. Her business is poised to grow and she is ready for this much needed investment.”
– Lowcountry Local First, Kiva U.S. partner that guided Tremaine through the loan application process
Read Tremaine’s full story here and see her Etsy shop here.
Crafting joy through sustainable laser-cut jewelry
Philip, a longtime artist-turned-entrepreneur and Kiva U.S. borrower based in Farmington, Arkansas, is committed to making art fun, accessible, and personal—something he’s achieved through his business, Unpossible Cuts, which he says has been inspiring smiles from coast to coast for nearly two decades.
In May 2025, together with his business partner Domingo, Philip applied for a $15,000 Kiva loan, which was fully funded in just two weeks with the support of 254 Kiva lenders worldwide. Since then, he has invested in a UV printer - equipment that makes it possible for Unpossible Cuts to print directly onto laser-cut jewelry, expand into full-color designs, and speed up production. Thanks to this new capability, they can fulfill custom orders without sacrificing quality and take on projects they previously had to turn down.
“Every piece is made from sustainably sourced wood, assembled with care, and shipped in biodegradable packaging — because we believe great art can also do a little good in the world. Life can be tough sometimes; we’re here to make it just a little more fun.”
Read Philip’s full story here and see his Etsy shop here.
Purpose-driven partners make real change possible
Our work to expand financial access in the U.S. is powered by partnerships — partners who, like us, believe in people-powered finance for lasting impact. Partners who understand that loans create agency, not dependency. Partners who believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue their dreams and improve their livelihoods. Partners like Etsy.
Etsy’s ongoing support for equal access to opportunity in the creative economy — and its belief in creative entrepreneurship as a powerful path to economic independence — resonated with us from the start.
We’re grateful to Etsy for their support and shared commitment to economic opportunity. Together, we’re reaching more creative entrepreneurs when they need it most.
