February 24, 2021 at 10:01 am The Kohala Center and San Francisco based non-profit Kiva are joining forces to offer Hawaiʻi food producers and small businesses the opportunity to obtain zero interest micro loans. Kivaʻs lending program provides interest free loan options to borrowers who may have trouble accessing capital by connecting entrepreneurs and small business owners with benefactors. Hawaiʻi’s Kohala Center will serve as the program’s regional hub, with Eric Bowman, Kohala Center business development and services integration coordinator, serving as Hawai‘i’s Kiva capital access manager. The Kohala Center will be able to identify and connect with prospective borrowers as soon as they begin the application process. This ensures applicants will receive the support they need to be successful in their loan campaigns.