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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.<\/strong> \u2014 As demand for accessible small business capital continues to grow in Northwest Arkansas, Kiva NWA is expanding its bilingual lending support to help more entrepreneurs secure 0% interest microloans and overcome barriers to traditional financing.<\/p>\n Operated locally by the Startup Junkie Foundation, the Kiva NWA Hub provides character-based, crowdfunded loans of up to $15,000 at 0% interest to small business owners across the region. The program\u2019s continued growth, fueled by strong community participation and support from the Walton Family Foundation, has led to the expansion of program support and the addition of Ignacio Balderrama as Kiva NWA Capital Access Manager.<\/p>\n Hispanic-owned businesses represent one of the fastest-growing segments of new business formation in Arkansas, yet many founders face persistent barriers to traditional financing, including language access challenges, limited credit history, and unfamiliarity with conventional lending systems. By strengthening its Spanish-language consulting and loan readiness support, Kiva NWA aims to reduce those barriers and expand participation in the region\u2019s entrepreneurial economy.<\/p>\n \u201cAs our region grows, our capital systems have to grow with it,\u201d said Claudia Scott, director of the Kiva NWA program. \u201cStrengthening bilingual support through Ignacio\u2019s leadership allows us to remove barriers, increase participation, and ensure that Latino entrepreneurs are fully integrated into Northwest Arkansas\u2019 economic momentum.\u201d<\/p>\n A native of Bolivia, Balderrama joined the Startup Junkie team as an intern in 2023 and has also served as the host of Querido Emprendedor<\/em>, the organization\u2019s Spanish-language podcast highlighting Northwest Arkansas\u2019 Latino founders. In his new role, he will support prospective borrower intake, borrower advising, outreach, and loan readiness preparation as Kiva NWA expands Spanish-language consulting and capital access services.<\/p>\n \u201cFor many entrepreneurs, access to capital is about clarity and trust as much as eligibility. And entrepreneurship takes courage,\u201d said Balderrama. \u201cThe least we can do is make sure the path forward feels clear and welcoming.\u201d<\/p>\n The continued expansion of the Kiva NWA program was made possible through the renewal of support and increased investment in September 2025 from the Walton Family Foundation, which included renewed operational funding and a $1 million loan match contribution to Kiva U.S., doubling the impact of local lenders in Washington and Benton counties.<\/p>\n \u201cThe renewed investment last fall allowed us to scale responsibly, not just deploying more capital, but strengthening the infrastructure around it,\u201d said Caleb Talley, executive director of Startup Junkie Foundation. \u201cAdding dedicated bilingual capital access leadership is a direct extension of that strategy. If we want a resilient and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem, we have to remove barriers intentionally.\u201d<\/p>\n Kiva loans are crowdfunded by individual lenders worldwide and do not require traditional credit scores, collateral, or high interest rates. In addition to providing 0% interest financing, the program helps entrepreneurs build financial history, increase visibility, and strengthen business fundamentals through one-on-one advising.<\/p>\n Entrepreneurs interested in learning more about Kiva\u2019s 0% interest microloan program or receiving bilingual consulting support can visit kiva-nwa.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n ###<\/p>\n About Startup Junkie Foundation<\/strong>: Startup Junkie is a mission driven organization that exists to improve lives through innovation and entrepreneurship. With a goal to stimulate economic growth in the region, the organization provides a variety of services including mentorship, consulting, training, and more. Startup Junkie has an extensive network of partners and professionals that are dedicated to enhancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Northwest Arkansas. The Foundation has helped thousands of entrepreneurs through one-on-one consulting and hosts over 200 events and programs a year.<\/p>\n About Kiva:<\/strong> Kiva is a global nonprofit working to expand financial access to help underserved communities thrive. Founded in 2005, Kiva connects people willing to lend as little as $25 with entrepreneurs around the world. To date, more than two million borrowers have accessed capital through Kiva\u2019s platform, backed by a community of 2.2 million lenders across 190 countries. Loans are offered at 0% interest, helping individuals start and grow businesses, invest in education, and improve quality of life.<\/p>\n Media contact<\/strong><\/p>\n Caleb Talley<\/strong>, Executive Director, Startup Junkie Foundation
caleb@startupjunkie.org<\/a> | 479-879-7997<\/p>\n