0% Interest Loans
for Cambridge Small Businesses
Collaborative 523 is a certified Kiva Trustee. That means Cambridge entrepreneurs can access crowdfunded micro-loans with our full endorsement and hands-on support — at zero interest.
What Is Kiva — and How Does This Work?
As a Kiva Trustee, Collaborative 523 does not disburse loan funds directly. Instead, we endorse your application — vouching for your character, your business viability, and your commitment. That endorsement is what gets your campaign in front of Kiva's global network of lenders who want to invest in community businesses like yours.
To receive a Kiva loan through our program, you must first be endorsed by Collaborative 523. We'll walk through the process together, starting with a conversation about your business and goals.
Eligibility Requirements
To be endorsed by Collaborative 523 for a Kiva loan, your business must meet all of the following:
- Be a for-profit small business located within Cambridge, WI (zip code 53523)
- Be actively operating, or in a launch-ready stage with a defined business plan
- Have a clear, documented use of funds expected to generate revenue or improve business sustainability
- Be willing to participate in Collaborative 523's mentoring and technical assistance programming as a condition of endorsement
- Not be in active bankruptcy proceedings or have outstanding legal judgments that would impair repayment
How to Get Endorsed: Six Steps
The path to a Kiva loan starts with Collaborative 523's endorsement. Here's exactly what to expect — we'll be with you every step of the way.
The first step is a conversation. Book a time with Cathy Yerges to talk through your business, confirm your eligibility, and learn whether a Kiva loan is a good fit for your goals. There's no commitment at this stage — just a conversation.
Schedule Your Chat →This is your formal application to be endorsed by Collaborative 523 as a Kiva borrower. We'll work through it together in your meeting. It covers your business name and description, the loan amount you're requesting, your intended use of funds, and a brief financial overview. You won't be filling this out alone.
Our Executive Director reviews your completed application, verifies your information, and performs due diligence before moving to the board.
The Collaborative 523 Board of Directors evaluates your application and votes on whether to endorse you as a Kiva borrower. You'll receive a written decision within 10 business days of board review.
If endorsed, we help you complete your Kiva loan profile — your business story, loan purpose, and photo. We review it for accuracy and completeness before it goes live on the Kiva platform.
Your campaign goes live and we actively promote it through our networks, social media, and community channels. Collaborative 523 contributes match funds to seed your campaign and connects you with lenders who want to invest in Cambridge businesses.
We're With You After Funding, Too
Our commitment to endorsed borrowers doesn't end when the loan is funded. Here's what you can expect throughout the repayment period:
Quarterly Check-Ins
Regular touchpoints to review your repayment status, surface challenges early, and connect you with resources when you need them.
Early Intervention
If business gets tough, we step in proactively with mentoring and technical assistance — not just paperwork.
Workshops & Coaching
Access to Collaborative 523's full business education programming — workshops, one-on-one coaching, and peer networking — at no or low cost.
We Still Want to Help
If your business doesn't qualify for a Kiva loan at this time, you won't just get a "no." Collaborative 523 will explain why in writing, connect you with alternative financing options and WEDC small business programs, and invite you to participate in our mentoring and education programming so you can strengthen your business and apply again in the future.
Every business that reaches out leaves with a path forward.
Thank You to Our Supporters
This program is made possible through the generous support of our corporate partners.