It was the goal heard around the world: When U.S. midfielder Lindsey Horan scored against Netherlands in the opening rounds of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the thunderous applause from the stands and excited online reactions confirmed that all eyes are on women’s soccer.
While the U.S. Women’s national soccer team (USWNT) faced a tough loss and early exit from a tournament marked by the unexpected, the impacts of their commitment to equity can be felt far beyond the pitch. The U.S. Women’s National Team Players Association (USWNTPA), the labor organization that advocates for the economic and social welfare of its players, has also extended its efforts to support women entrepreneurs, thanks to its partnership with Kiva.
From their own historic equal pay win to expanding financial access for even more women
Soon after the USWNTPA made history in 2022 by securing pay for its players that is commensurate with the men’s team, its members sought a way to compound that influence. Kiva’s storied commitment to gender equality attracted their attention, offering a dynamic vehicle to advance economic justice and expand financial access for women. The team eagerly committed to lending $2.5M in capital for zero-interest, zero-fee Kiva loans in the U.S. by 2025.
"The U.S. women’s national team stands for so much more than just the fact that we’re soccer players… this is the time to really lean into our fight for pay equity,” said team defender Crystal Dunn. “Economic justice is an extension of that.”
The loans create opportunities and provide necessary capital for entrepreneurs who may not have access to traditional financial services that are essential to growing a business. The USWNTPA partnership has supported women from all walks of life in jumpstarting new or existing ventures and contributing to their local economies.
It has also generated a cycle of impact: As borrowers repay their loans, the funds return to the USWNTPA’s Kiva account to be lent to new borrowers, allowing even more women to benefit from the program.
Impact for women entrepreneurs in action
Combining the U.S. team’s commitment to giving back with Kiva’s microfinance tools has already proven to be an excellent strategy: To date, the platform has unlocked almost $300K in loans to 1,461 women borrowers, 82 percent of whom identify as BIPOC. Meet a few of them:
Wisconsin stylist and salon owner Jimbi already had a loyal clientele for her braiding and extension prowess. With a USWNTPA/Kiva loan of $14.5K, she is now in the midst of acquiring more equipment, wholesale products, and a rental booth, which will help her serve more customers and multiply her revenue streams.
“I will be providing jobs and doubling in size soon if I execute my current plan of fixing my shop, buying more supplies, and expanding my social media presence.”
Pastry chef Tamara has always dreamed of making confectionery her full-time job. A $10K infusion of capital has allowed her to open a bake shop featuring her unique recipes in her Puerto Rico neighborhood.
“Seeing the joy on someone's face as they relish in the confections I create is truly a blessing.”
Enterprising California mother of two Eugenia had already created a versatile, easy-to-clean baby changing mat made out of sustainable materials, but keeping up with the cost of producing them locally was a challenge. A $10K loan keeps the labor within the local economy and contributes to marketing for the expanding business.
“We can always be more earth-friendly, give more back, and be more mindful of our words and our actions. While building this brand, we’ve learned that it is building us.”
Sisters Marta & Anna emigrated to Colorado from Venezuela to open a bilingual preschool to provide a safe, stimulating environment for community children. The early childhood learning center has been such a hit that the sisters are adding a new employee and constructing a new playground, thanks to a $10K loan.
“Our preschool is committed to promoting and supporting all aspects of a child's growth in an atmosphere of multiculturalism, respect for differences, and love for nature.”
Boise chemist, MBA holder, and mother of two Katie discovered the science and art of fermentation over a decade ago, leading her to create her own craft kombucha brand. With her $15K loan, she’s scaling up production with new equipment and opening a child-friendly tasting room.
“We will create a welcoming space for everyone and nurture an environment that inspires the community to care for their bodies, the earth, and each other while enjoying the ride. “
While the USWNTPA partnership has primarily focused on US women entrepreneurs, the campaign has also offered loan matching for loans to international women. Amassing more than $40K since the program launched July 21, other Kiva lenders were able to amplify their impact by having their loans to women matched by USWNTPA.
“We have seen the impact of the work we’ve done in the gender equity space ripple through women’s sports, and that has given many of us platforms that reach beyond what we do on the field,” continued Dunn of the team’s efforts to leverage their success to include more women.
Recognizing a productive collaboration for gender equity
The USWNTPA/Kiva collab has also been recognized by the corporate social impact community, garnering a 2023 Golden Halo Award for Best JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) Initiative. The Golden Halo Awards are bestowed annually, and it is the second year in a row that Kiva has won an award (it took home the “Best Employment Engagement Initiative” in 2022 for its partnership with Visa.)
This latest accolade shows that aligning corporate social impact goals with the mission of financial access is a winning combination. Through its partnership with Kiva, the members of the USWNTPA have amplified their advocacy efforts to create meaningful change in their own communities.
How you can help level the playing field for women
The Kiva/USWNTPA partnership extends through 2025 . As we cheer on the rest of the teams in the Women’s World Cup, we can also help further gender equity from the sidelines alongside the USWNT players. Here’s how:
Support women-owned businesses in your community
Join the USWNTPA lending team — by lending on Kiva, you can directly impact a women entrepreneur along with the US Women’s national soccer team!
The Women’s World Cup has been full of upsets and unexpected turns so far, and it remains to be seen which team advances all the way to victory. But with the USWNTPA/Kiva partnership, we know one thing for sure:
No matter who holds the trophy, thousands of women entrepreneurs have already won.
