Kiva Iowa profile: Making health care the mission

MARION — In November, Natasha Ajeti had one employee at Kolofon Health.

Today, she has more than 30.

“We are doing really well,” she says. “Having growth like ours is really good during a time when it's hard to find and hire people who work in health care. It's really about having a team with leadership that understands and values not only the employees, but our mission, which is to provide quality health care to the community.

“I've had experience with a loved one being sick, and I understand the frustrations of feeling like you don't have anyone to support them,” she says.

“Being able to be there for someone — at such a crucial point in their lives when they're down and things seem very dark — it allows me to meet the patient and their families where they are at, and be on their level.”

Kolofon Health – which offers 24-hour private duty nursing care, housekeeping, meal assistance, medication management and more for patients and clients in Eastern Iowa – just opened its office at 155 Marion Blvd. in Marion. That’s why Ajeti sought a loan through Kiva Iowa.

The loan allowed the startup to meet payroll until it started generating revenue.

Kiva gives entrepreneurs access to a microlending platform to raise zero-interest, zero-fee, extended-grace-period loans. The loans can be for up to $15,000, and lenders can give as little as $25 at a time.

Ajeti’s request for an $8,500 loan was successfully funded in just six days.

“I always thank Kiva because they're an intricate part in us getting started, by helping us get some operating capital so that we could do what we love to do,” Ajeti says.

“Kiva opens a door for everyone's visions and dreams to come true, so it's a great opportunity that encourages people who otherwise might not think they could do it. I wasn't sure at first, but now that I've had that experience, I would recommend it for anyone."

Ajeti says that in the past month, Kolofon has tripled its business and is partnering with Kirkwood Community College for additional training of its employees.

She says her company has been asked to come to surrounding communities in Eastern Iowa, “so there's a lot more growth coming in the near future. I’m excited about where we’re going."

To learn more about Kolofon Health, go to kolofonhealth.com. To learn more about Kiva Iowa, visit newbo.co/kiva.