FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: BRAINTREE NAMED TRUSTEE FOR NATIONAL MICROFINANCE PROGRAM Mansfield’s Braintree Business Development Center has been named as a trustee for the micro-lending group Kiva Zip. A San Francisco-based crowdfunder, known as Kiva, has been operating on a global scale since 2005, but started the experimental Kiva Zip program to serve U.S. micro entrepreneurs just last year. As a trustee, Braintree will be responsible for identifying potential borrowers, reviewing their finances, examining their credit report, and then forwarding them to the Kiva Zip website. Then individuals nationwide will have an opportunity to contribute to a small loan, ranging from $500 to $5,000. They loans are interest-free and include no fees for entrepreneurs. Preference is given to entrepreneurs who have overcome adversity and have a business that will positively impact the community. Braintree, the area’s technology business incubator and entrepreneurship center, has worked for more than 25 years to identify and access sources of capital on behalf of start-up companies. Barrett Thomas, Braintree’s microfinance manager sees Kiva Zip as “yet another source of funding for those small businesses who need relatively small but crucial amounts to get started or overcome short-term cash flow issues.” Those interested in contributing will visit the Kiva Zip website and select the borrowers they want to make a loan to. Lenders can contribute between $25 and $5,000 dollars depending on the amount the borrower is seeking, and once the loan is fully funded, Kiva Zip will send the amount directly to the borrower. The borrowers then pay back the lender in regular installments and as they get their money back, lenders can re-loan it to fund another business or withdraw it. Those who want more information as a borrower or a lender can contact Braintree at 419 525-1614 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or visit zip.kiva.org. For more information: Bob Cohen, 419 610-5924, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it