Introduction
Founded in 2005 and based in San Francisco, Kiva is an international nonprofit with a mission to connect people through lending to alleviate poverty. Kiva celebrates and supports people looking to create a better future for themselves, their families and their communities. Kiva operates in over eighty countries, providing entrepreneurs access to capital and has lent over $930 million to 2.2 million borrowers worldwide. In 2011, Kiva launched its US operations to support financially excluded small business borrowers with socially impactful, direct zero percent interest loans.
Oliver Wyman’s Social Impact Program provided the opportunity to connect further with Kiva, a local San Francisco based firm that is making a difference on the global stage and founded by an alumnus. There was a great learning experience for the team in how commercial strategies have to be adapted to deliver on the social goals of a nonprofit institutionAshik Ardeshna
Scope
Oliver Wyman conducted an eight week engagement to help Kiva evaluate its potential growth strategies
within the US market. Through industry research and interviews with other lenders, Kiva borrowers and team members, the Oliver Wyman team prioritized the strategies best suited for Kiva. The analysis and research culminated in a recommendation that Kiva could leverage its advantages and drive growth through its unique community network.
Kiva is a truly remarkable concept that has proven simply having faith in people can change the lives of millions. The experience has been a blessing and I hope my work will help Kiva continue to grow and change the world, one opportunity at a timeYale Mao
Impact
With our support, we hope that Kiva can continue to think about achieving massive scale and making a big impact in the United States, while building a strong community for its members.