Fund Your Business with Kiva! (Columbus Library - Downtown Branch)

Kiva Informational Session and Showcase of Current Kiva Borrowers Seeking Support

About this Event

Kiva, a pioneering crowdfunding platform started in 2005, enables individuals who do not have access to traditional funding, to start, sustain or grow a small business. This provides the individuals the chance to create economic opportunities for themselves. The platform provides a base for family, friends and community supporters to invest as little as $25.00 to support a small business. A small contribution can create a ripple effect that can shape the future for a family or an entire community. In lifting one, you can lift many, one small business at a time.

Join Kiva Capital Access Manager Ellen Harvey for an informational session to learn more about the steps to become a borrower with Kiva. Stay to see a showcase of borrowers currently fundraising with Kiva and learn how you can offer your support. Light refreshments will be provided.

Parking: Parking Directions - Garage Costs up to $2 based on time. Parking is available in the attached garage located on Library Park N, which can be accessed by S Grant Ave. or S 9th Street.

KEMBA Financial Credit Union is committed to supporting Central Ohioans achieve their entrepreneurial goals and dreams and is proud to partner with Kiva to help provide funding for these exciting opportunities.

Speaker: Ellen Harvey

Ellen is a Certified Business Advisor for the Ohio Small Business Development Center at Columbus State Community College (SBDC). Ellen also serves as the Capital Access Manager for Kiva Columbus through the SBDC Kiva Partnership. Ellen is an economic development and lending relations professional with 18 years of experience researching, planning, implementing and evaluating small business and economic development programs for City, State and Federal agencies.

Directly, Ellen has assisted thousands of entrepreneurs with access to capital, resources, training, and counseling. Having owned her own mortgage brokerage for 8 years, she truly understands the day-to-day challenges business owners face. In addition, Harvey’s experience as the Director of the Women’s Business Center for the Economic Community Development Institute and as a Business Consultant for the Minority Business Assistance Center has given her a unique perspective into the special issues that confront minorities, women, and economically and socially disadvantaged business owners.