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

Status update – December 8, 2017
After 3 years, Kiva and b-fit have agreed to end their partnership. While b-fit will continue focusing on the important work they do in Turkey, lending is not a core component of their model at this time. This Lending Partner has repaid its outstanding balance to Kiva in full, and these funds have been distributed to lenders. We thank b-fit for the years of collaboration and wish them success in their future endeavors.

Partner description
B-FIT uses its franchise of sports and wellness centers for women to empower women. Not only do the centers act as safe physical and mental spaces for female customers, but each new center that opens is founded and managed by women. This creates opportunities for women to develop business skills and enter the workforce in a country where business ownership is often dominated by men.

In addition to providing physical training, the centers offer trainings on a wide-range of issues including nutrition, hygiene, sexual health, communication, leadership and entrepreneurship. Beyond the machinery and other equipment needed for the gym, B-FIT offers hands on support and training for franchise owners.

A unique lending approach
B-FIT provides 0% interest loans to women in rural areas of Turkey in order to enable the purchase of a B-FIT franchise. Additionally, B-FIT will provide managerial training including marketing education, customer relationship management, and technical support to help the women establish and start their franchise.