Kiva Iowa

08/13/2025

The Gazette featured The Green House in Iowa City for July's Kiva IA spotlight 💚

“I wanted customers to focus on each other and not feel so isolated,” said Peterson. “I wanted to make it cozy and open, with no screen distractions where people actually talk to each other in person. I also wanted it community safe for kids. Some families come to paint and draw with their own supplies.”

Read on:

The Green House in Iowa City was the second plant bar in the state, and they're using a KIVA Iowa loan to help purchase equipment and expand food offerings.

07/24/2025

Hey rural business owners or entrepreneurs, check out this great workshop by one of our awesome Kiva Iowa borrowers, Hanna Nuss 🥰👏

We believe rural entrepreneurs deserve more.
Not because we know everything — but because when we help each other, we all rise.

That’s why we’re hosting a Communication Strategy Workshop — a two-day, deep-dive into how to talk about what you do, where to say it, and how to show up consistently in your brand and business.

✨ Whether you’re running a bakery, a boutique, or building your own movement — it all starts with your message.
Because clarity creates confidence. And confidence builds community.

🗓️ Join our founder, Hanna Nuss, for this one-of-a-kind Local Marketing Class:
📍 September 27 & 28
🕙 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (both days)
📌 In-Person in Denver, Iowa — or Online

Let’s rise together — and make Iowa the most inspiring place to experience something real.

➡️ Seats are limited. Reserve yours here: https://stan.store/HannaNuss/p/3day-live-narrative-workshop-more-than-muffins

07/19/2025

The refreshed Kiva Iowa page is live! Whether you're a borrower, lender, or potential partner, it's now easier than ever to find the info you need to support local entrepreneurs and small business growth. Check it out: https://newbo.co/kiva/

07/09/2025

Kiva Iowa Borrower Spotlight! 🍧

Jermaine Wilson is bringing a taste of Philly to Iowa with Jay’s Water Ice, a refreshing treat that’s smoother than shaved ice and packed with flavor.
“It’s different than shaved ice cones, with more water mixed in with the syrup for a consistency like ice cream,” Jermaine says. In New Jersey and New York, this tasty dessert is known as Italian Ice, and now you can try it right here in Iowa!

Learn more about Jermaine’s journey and how Kiva helped support his dream:
👉

Owner Jermaine Wilson used trips back to Philly to serve as the foundation of his business, Jay's Water Ice. Wilson is now working to grow his Philadelphia Water Ice business in Eastern Iowa.

05/23/2025

Thanks to you, Kiva Iowa has reached an incredible milestone— 100 small business borrowers have been funded across 36 cities in Iowa.

Your support has helped bring to life Main Street shops, local bakeries, mobile services, and creative startups that are strengthening communities across the state.

This milestone is a testament to the power of community-backed lending. We’re so grateful to our network of lenders, partners, and advocates who made this possible.

Read more about the impact here >> https://newbo.co/100-iowa-entrepreneurs-funded-and-were-just-getting-started/

05/14/2025

Meet entrepreneur Larry Tiah, founder of Hela African Food Market — a Cedar Rapids-based grocery store and cultural hub making African and Caribbean goods more accessible in CR!

With support from a Kiva Iowa loan, Tiah is growing his business to better serve the community and create a space that celebrates heritage, connection, and flavor. 🛒💚

Read more about her journey in The Gazette: https://www.thegazette.com/business/hela-expanding-access-to-african-goods-in-cedar-rapids/

04/09/2025

“Cozy” was a word that kept coming up as Nolan Petersen and Sean Finn were discussing Diversions, the tabletop game lounge they have just opened in Coralville. The partners and […]

02/03/2025

In celebration of Black History Month, we’re excited to share our Kiva Iowa Gift Guide featuring incredible Black-owned businesses! From stylish clothing and skincare to delicious food and more, you can make a meaningful impact by supporting Black entrepreneurs—not just this month, but all year long.

💚 Check out the guide here >> https://newbo.co/kiva-iowa-celebrating-black-owned-businesses/

02/01/2025

Kiva Iowa, powered by NewBoCo is committed to supporting the growth and success of all small businesses across Iowa and the Quad Cities. In the spirit of Black History Month here is what can you do to support Black-owned businesses:
💚Lend to Black business owners seeking funds on Kiva.
💚Refer a Black-owned business in your community to Kiva, where they can get a 0%-interest loan of up to $15,000.
💚 Support by shopping or eating at a Black-owned businesses!

01/28/2025

“This business represents more than just vending — it’s about achieving ownership, building generational wealth for my family, and empowering others in my community to follow the same path,” said David Robinson, owner of Simple Vending.

Read on here >> https://www.thegazette.com/business/kiva-iowa-tiffin-man-growing-vending-machine-atm-business/