What happens when you combine the efforts of a global network of individuals who want to help small business owners with easy to obtain, internet-based microloans with an organization whose mission is to improve lives and our community? Answer: real, measurable change!

At the Kiva City kickoff event in November of last year, Louisville Mayor Fischer said of Kiva, "It's good for the economy, but it's also good for the soul of our city." Kiva Zip provides individuals who want to start a small business access to 0% interest loans funded by individuals passionate about helping entrepreneurs. Mayor Fischer's words strike to the core of the missions of both Kiva and Metro United Way.

For almost 100 years Metro United Way has worked to improve lives and our community and today its vision is to create a community whose people achieve their fullest potential through education, financial stability, and healthy lives. Kiva Zip's mission is to connect people through lending to alleviate poverty by leveraging their worldwide network.

Studies have linked a family's financial instability with lower educational outcomes in children. The partnership between Kiva Zip, the city of Louisville and Metro United Way provides families in our community the ability to obtain financial security by obtaining small business loans to people in need. As a result, these small businesses can create the kind of financial stability that that will create positive educational outcomes for our community's kids.

Almost one year after the launch of Kiva Zip, the 50^th fully funded loan was celebrated! That translates into over $250,000 impact in our community! Of these loans, 46% have been to female entrepreneurs and 26% to people of color.

One of Metro United Way's own staff members, Malissa Love, is one of the most recent fully funded entrepreneurs. Malissa is currently an Administrative Assistant on our Finance Team at Metro United Way and is also an aspiring entrepreneur and has had a dream of owning her own beauty supply store for over 20 years.

"18 plus years of administrative, secretarial and bookkeeping background and, most importantly, real-life experiences, have given me the survival techniques to connect with people and have the confidence in myself to run a successful business," says Malissa. "Finally, I am ready for the challenge of creating a lasting legacy for my children."

Find out more about Malissa's new business here.

You can also become a lender for another small business owner in our community. Small businesses create 2 out of 3 new jobs in our country and are more likely to hire people of color, women and youth. I'm a Kiva lender (as well as a trustee that vouches for other entrepreneurs) and encourage you to check it out too! http://www.kiva.org/louisville

Ben Donlon is the Director of Financial Management and Strategic Business Analytics at Metro United Way. He has been with Metro United Way for the past 2 years and was involved with the formation of Louisville as a Kiva City. Ben sees Kiva Zip as a solution to the opportunity gap for those with big dreams, but without the financial backing to make it a reality. Ben is a University of Louisville graduate, a member of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity, and is currently in the UofL MBA program where he serves as the President of the Student Council. He is very active in the community as a mentor for middle and high school students, where he challenges them to overcome obstacles in order to achieve success in and out of the classroom.