Kiva conducts regular, ongoing monitoring of all Lending Partners, but only posts status updates here in response to relevant, major changes at the partner.

Update on 21 August 2023:

Kiva and Opportunity Fund have agreed to end their partnership after more than $500,000 in loans raised. This partner has repaid its outstanding balance to Kiva in full, and these funds have been distributed to lenders. We thank Opportunity Fund for the years of collaboration and wish them success in their future endeavors.

Status update — April 11, 2018

Kiva and Opportunity Fund are ending their partnership after nearly 8 years. This Lending Partner has repaid its outstanding balance to Kiva in full, and these funds have been distributed to lenders. We thank Opportunity Fund for the years of collaboration and wish them success in their future endeavors.

Partner Description:

As California’s largest not-for-profit microlender, Opportunity Fund offers a unique blend of microfinance products, business advising, financial education, and community investments to help low-income families work toward economic stability. Since 1995, Opportunity Fund has provided $19.5 million in capital to more than 1,700 entrepreneurs, and offered thousands of hours of financial education to over 3,600 low-income Californians. Three-quarters of our clients are minorities, and 60% are women.

Microlending in the U.S.

For many U.S. workers, a job is not enough to provide economic self-sufficiency. For some, wage employment isn’t even a realistic option because of language barriers or family circumstances. Many of these enterprising individuals start small businesses to generate income and support their families – home daycare centers, hair salons, janitorial services, small retail stores, and more. These entrepreneurs often need small amounts of capital to start or expand their businesses, but can’t qualify for a bank loan. Opportunity Fund looks beyond the numbers on our clients' credit reports and loan applications; we see their potential as successful entrepreneurs and supply the financing and advising they need to get there. 

Our Results

As part of Opportunity Fund’s commitment to measurement and accountability, we track a variety of community impact metrics through data analysis and client surveys.

--90% historical repayment rate

--90% business survival rate

--95% of surveyed clients reported an increased ability to manage their business

--Borrowers’ income rise by 30%, on average.

--Each loan keeps or creates 2.4 jobs

--Every $1 invested spurs nearly $2 in additional annual economic revenue through new spending, new tax revenue, and new wages for workers

Our Products and Services

We support low-income entrepreneurs by meeting their small capital needs. We lend to small business owners so they can support their families and create jobs for their neighbors.

--Median loan size: $7,000

--Interest Rates: 8% -12% fixed + loan fees

--Typical businesses: auto mechanics; hair salons; dry cleaners.

Need a Small Business Loan?

Find out if Opportunity Fund can help you grow your business! Visit our website for more information on our Small Business Loans program.

What Else Does Opportunity Fund Do?

Opportunity Fund provides more than microloans. We are the nation’s largest microsavings provider, helping over 3,600 families save for education, small business, home ownership, citizenship, retirement, and emergencies. We are also a community real estate lender, providing loans for affordable housing and community facilities throughout California. Learn more about our other programs at www.opportunityfund.org.