Growth · Growth · Opportunity

We believe in
the potential of
women entrepreneurs in
Puerto Rico.

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Capital to start , grow and move your business forward.

ZERO by Friends of Puerto Rico

Up to $15,000. 0% Interest. $0 Fees. 100% opportunity.

ZERO connects entrepreneurs across Puerto Rico to accessible small business financing through Kiva, with support from Friends of Puerto Rico and the Metro Women’s Business Center.

ZERO by Friends of Puerto Rico is a capital-access initiative led by the Metro Women’s Business Center in partnership with Kiva.

Kiva provides the 0%-interest, zero-fee lending model. Friends of Puerto Rico serves as a Kiva Trustee, providing entrepreneur support at no charge. 0% interest. 100% opportunity.

Access capital.
Build your future.

ZERO provides access and support but does not guarantee financing. Kiva determines loan eligibility, approval, amounts, crowdfunding requirements and repayment terms. Future financing is subject to each financial institution’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. Kiva financing is a loan, not a grant, and must be repaid.

Built for Entrepreneurs. Focused on Opportunity.

Access to capital is one of the biggest barriers to starting and growing a small business.

ZERO is designed to help change that.

Kiva provides the 0%-interest, zero-fee lending model, while Friends of Puerto Rico provides Trustee support at no cost to entrepreneurs.

0% interest

Without collateral or traditional guarantees

Network of Lenders

Finance from all over the world

Personalized Support

We help you build your track record

How ZERO Works

ZERO
01

Start with us

02

Get Support

03

Apply through Kiva

04

Fund your business

05

Build your track record

Your business. Your next step.

Help build Puerto Rico’s next generation of capital-ready businesses.

ZERO brings together banks, credit unions, community lenders, corporations, foundations, municipalities and economic-development organizations to expand pathways to capital.

Partners can contribute through:

  • Entrepreneur referrals
  • Financial Education
  • Technical assistance
  • Scholarships Mentroship
  • Community Outreach
  • Future Financing Opportunities

Your business. Your next step.

Help build Puerto Rico’s next generation of capital-ready businesses.

  • Entrepreneur referrals
  • Financial Education
  • Technical assistance
  • Scholarships Mentroship
  • Community Outreach
  • Future Financing Opportunities

For financial institutions, ZERO provides an opportunity to engage entrepreneurs earlier, support their development and build relationships with businesses that may become candidates for larger financing as they grow.

Entrepreneur

The ZERO Capital Pathway

Up to $15,000 • 0% interest • $0 fees

ZERO partner ZERO partner

Trustee support • Business development • Capital readiness

COMMUNITY + FINANCIAL PARTNERS

Education • Mentorship • Resources • Relationships

NEXT-STAGE CAPITAL

Preparation for larger traditional financing opportunities

Frequently asked questions

ZERO is an initiative of the Metro Women’s Business Center that connects women entrepreneurs with opportunities for training, capital, and growth.
Eligible participants can access loans through Kiva at 0% interest, subject to Kiva's terms, requirements, and process.
Businesswomen who meet the criteria established by ZERO and the requirements applicable to the Kiva process.
Descripción del elemento
Yes, we remain actively involved until solutions are fully operational and staff are confident.
You can join the Zero Circle and support the campaigns of participating entrepreneurs through Kiva.
No. Circle Zero is open to individuals, businesses, and institutions.

More Than a Loan

Become a Zero Partner

Refer an entrepreneur