Startup Junkie Foundation expands capacity and programming to better serve NWA

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Startup Junkie Foundation announced today that the Walton Family Foundation has renewed and expanded its support for the Northwest Arkansas Kiva Hub (Kiva NWA) with a three-year commitment to the Foundation and a $1 million contribution to the loan match fund at Kiva U.S. This funding will be used to directly match loans to Northwest Arkansas borrowers’ dollar-for-dollar, doubling the impact of local lenders and ensuring more entrepreneurs in Washington and Benton counties have access to zero-interest capital.

Since its launch in December 2019, Kiva NWA has facilitated about $2 million in crowdfunded loans to local small business owners, empowering entrepreneurs who have historically faced barriers to traditional financing. With this renewed commitment, Startup Junkie will continue deploying the program for another three years while also expanding its team’s capacity to serve clients and prospective borrowers with more resources, hands-on support, and expanded programming through workshops and community events. That expansion will also include multi language support, with plans to increase access to consulting and capital assistance in both Spanish and Marshallese.

“Over the last three years that I’ve had the privilege of leading the Kiva NWA hub, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful this program can be when borrowers, community, and partners come together,” said Claudia Scott, Director of Entrepreneurial Access and Kiva Northwest Arkansas at Startup Junkie Foundation. “This new pledge is a direct reflection of that collective success. With this investment, we’re excited to scale our impact, grow our team, and support even more business owners, not only with access to capital but also with personalized technical assistance to help them thrive.”

“Kiva NWA helps small business owners access the funding they need to grow and succeed,” said Yee-Lin Lai, Sr. Program Officer at the Walton Family Foundation. “For many, a Kiva loan serves as the first step on the capital ladder, filling a critical gap and creating opportunity for underserved entrepreneurs who are left out of traditional lending systems. These microloans allow entrepreneurs to start or grow their businesses, creating an opportunity for a better future for themselves and their families.”

Kiva NWA provides zero-interest microloans ranging from $1,000 to $15,000 for small business owners and entrepreneurs across the region. Loans are crowdfunded by individuals worldwide, with contributions starting at just $25, and are fully matched dollar-for-dollar through Walton Family Foundation support in Washington and Benton counties. This model not only provides entrepreneurs with vital access to capital but also connects them with a global community of lenders who believe in their success.

“Kiva is proud to continue partnering with Startup Junkie and the Walton Family Foundation to expand access to capital for entrepreneurs in Northwest Arkansas," said Eli Cherner, Director of Kiva U.S. “By increasing the Kiva U.S. matching fund thanks to the support of the Walton Family Foundation, we’re ensuring that even more small business owners have the resources they need to start and grow their businesses. This partnership is a powerful example of how local support and impact-first capital can fuel collective action to build stronger, more resilient communities.”

About Startup Junkie Foundation: 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.

About Kiva: 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’s 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.