OUR SERVICES
Microfinance at Berkeley offers pro-bono services for Bay Area business owners: microloans, consulting, and marketplaces.
MICROLOANS
As Tier-1 Trustees of Kiva, we help small businesses apply for 0% interest loans of up to $10,000. Over the past decade, we have facilitated the disbursement of $250,000 across 27 loans.
We conduct due diligence and financial analysis to endorse these loans as a secure financial investment, which increases the likelihood of successful fundraising rounds.
CONSULTING
We provide pro-bono strategy consulting to 4 local businesses each semester, applying creativity and curiosity to maximize our impact. Our research-based and data-focused projects vary in nature, spanning areas such as operations, product development, and marketing.
We holistically understand the client’s mission, challenges, and goals to better drive success.
MARKETPLACE
We facilitate business development in the local community by hosting farmers’ markets on Lower Sproul, inviting vendors to share their products with Berkeley students and faculty.
We aim to deepen the connection between the UC Berkeley community and local businesses, while showcasing the vibrancy of the Bay Area.