Describing your Business

Your business description is a key component of your application. To help you with this section we've put together the following guide.

Here is where you tell lenders about your business. This should be about 2 paragraphs. The more information you give lenders, the more interested and invested they will be. Be specific! Give your lenders an understanding of why you started this business and what your business does. Be personal and talk to the core of what your business represents — to you and your community.  Explain what your business does, why it was founded, who your clientele is, how your business is run, what your business represents, day to day operations, future goals, and any awards or accomplishments your business has earned. This section should also be personal! Don’t be too formal. Let your passion and excitement show.

You can use these questions below for direction:

  • What about your business are you most proud of?

  • What are the goals you have for your business in the future?

  • Who are your customers?

  • What are your biggest challenges?

  • How will Kiva support the growth of your business?

We've included some examples of what "not to do" and what "to do" below to give you a clearer idea.

Don’ts

BD donts.png

WHY IT DOES NOT WORK:

  • Too short

  • Business name not mentioned

  • No description of how the business runs or their clientele

  • Does not describe how it helps the community or why there is a need for it

  • No future goals for the business

Do’s

Example 1

BD do 1.png

WHY IT WORKS:

  • Gives concrete numbers and facts about their farm and program they are apart of

  • Talk about their commitment to a particular farming method that is directly relevant to their business

  • Describes the kind of work that is required for their business

Example 2

BD do 2.png

WHY IT WORKS:

  • Lists how many years they have been in business

  • Lists when their business is open

  • Mentions awards and and accomplishments given to them

  • Tells the story of what motivated them to start their own business

Example 3

BD do 3.png

WHY IT WORKS:

  • Describes who his customers are

  • Mentions the specifics of his business, in this case, his farm.

  • Talks about the challenges he faced and how he overcame them

  • Lists future goals that he has for his business