Overview

Why are you interested in becoming a Trustee?

We are interested in becoming a trustee because we would like to help people within the greater Boston community who desire to grow their businesses, but struggle to obtain working capital from traditional sources.  We would like to be part of a program that is more interested in building up and assisting small business owners than receiving a high rate of return on investment.  We want to focus more on the individuals and their businesses, not their credit score.  With our roots in the classroom, specifically in learning about the field of microfinance, we can bridge the gap between the academic and real-life application.

What is the mission of your organization?

Our mission is to connect, collaborate, and support local entrepreneurs, so they can forge a path to success by creating their own source of income through the businesses they are trying to start-up or grow, as well as share the knowledge we have gained through our studies in microfinance.

Borrower Due Diligence

How will you decide who to endorse as a borrower? What due diligence will you conduct?

Our trustee will utilize our resources to find small business owners who would benefit from a Kiva loan by partnering with local organizations, governments, committees and other personal connections we have within the community. We want individuals who are passionate about the mission of their businesses and motivated to expand or start up their businesses.  We will look for candidates who have a clear business plan and a clear vision on how a Kiva loan could help their businesses grow or start.  We will also review their ability to earn income and review what role ethics and social responsibility play in their business practices and decisions. Our due diligence will consist of having conversations directly with candidates and listening to them.  It will include learning about their goals, aspirations and commitments in regards to their household and business.  We will review their relevant financial statements, the marketplace for their product/service, the plan they have for using and repaying the Kiva loan and how they feel the Kiva loan will increase their businesses’ profitability.