CAMEO and Kiva were involved in a joint pilot project that concluded in 2013. This page includes information on the project participants.
CAMEO provides training and best practices support to its member partners, offering services such as internal process development for the Kiva platform, writing assistance for borrower profiles and press outreach.
Collaboration members are given a $200,000 credit limit, and commit to a fund at least two loans (of up to $10,000) per month in exchange for CAMEO’s support. The target market is borrowers who need a little capital to start their businesses, but are locked out of traditional funding sources due to a lack of collateral or credit history. CAMEO-Kiva members are able to provide business assistance to their borrowers while simultaneously providing a small loan at a low interest rate; this one-two punch of training and capital helps ensure that borrowers are able to sustain their business and re-pay their loan.
CAMEO-Kiva Collaborative Members
These microlenders are collaborating with CAMEO to expand the amount of crowdfunded microlending in California, and are working together to develop best practices and useful tools for other microlenders interested in joining Kiva.
Fresno Community Development Financial Institution
Fresno Community Development Financial Institution (Fresno CDFI) provides affordable financing, training and technical assistance to individuals, small businesses and community facilities in Fresno, California. The organization offers loans up to $250,000 to help businesses increase working capital and purchase new equipment.
See all Kiva loans from Fresno CDFI
Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment
Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment (PACE) is a large nonprofit community development organization based in Central Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1976, PACE offers training to low-income individuals and families seeking employment opportunities, business development skills, improved financial skills and affordable housing.
Working Solutions
Working Solutions is a nonprofit organization committed to supporting new and existing businesses in the San Francisco Bay Area by providing microloans, technical assistance, referrals for local resources and educational workshops on access to capital.
See all Kiva loans from Working Solutions
Other Kiva Partners
These CAMEO microlenders are currently working with Kiva, and provide a valuable well of insight and experience as we work to develop a larger crowdfunding infrastructure within the state.
Accion San Diego
Accion San Diego is a nonprofit microfinance and community development financial institution providing business support services and loans ranging from $300 to $35,000 to entrepreneurs in San Diego County, California.
See all Kiva loans from Accion San Diego
Opportunity Fund
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.
See all Kiva loans from Opportunity Fund
Valley Economic Development Center
Valley Economic Development Center (VEDC) is a non-profit community development financial institution in the City of Los Angeles. Today, the organization says it is the largest non-profit business development group in the Greater Los Angeles area, offering micro-loans up to $50,000, small business loans up to $700,000, consulting services, and training to small and medium-sized businesses throughout California.