Overview

Why are you interested in becoming a Trustee?

The City of Burlington desires to become a Kiva "Trustee" and leverage the Kiva platform to provide Burlington small businesses with access to no-interest capital thereby promoting the growth of businesses, particularly BIPOC and women-owned businesses, historically underserved by traditional lenders.

What is the mission of your organization?

The mission of the City of Burlington Department of Business and Workforce Development is to provide City-wide business support that fosters equitable economic vitality through the provision of wrap-around services for businesses at all stages. Through its loan programs the Department stimulates entrepreneurship and economic growth, thereby improving quality of life and well-being of the community through increased revenue, job creation, and economic resilience.

Borrower Due Diligence

How will you decide who to endorse as a borrower? What due diligence will you conduct?

Endorsed entrepreneurs will be businesses engaged directly with the City’s Business Development team through completion of a Microenterprise Intake Form and direct business consulting in preparation for the Kiva loan application. During the business consultation, loan clients must demonstrate a strong community need for their business, good character, and their ability to repay the loan.