UWM Commits Additional Funding to NAMB’s KickStart Program – NMP Skip to main content

UWM Commits Additional Funding to NAMB’s KickStart Program

Aug 29, 2017
After airing in numerous markets nationally, FindAMortgageBroker.com had in excess of 75,000 site visitors in the first 48 hours

United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) has announced that it has contributed an additional $100,000 to the KickStart program being run by NAMBUnited Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) has announced that it has contributed an additional $100,000 to the KickStart program being run by NAMB—The Association of Mortgage Professionals. The move is sparked by UWM’s desire to continue supporting entrepreneurs and enhancing the presence of mortgage brokers throughout the country.
 
“We are passionate about helping mortgage brokers grow and thrive, as we believe it is the best way for a consumer to get a loan and the best place for a loan originator to work,” said Mat Ishbia, President and Chief Executive Officer at UWM. “Brokers are a more efficient and cheaper model than retail lenders and banks. We are excited to continue supporting their growth by contributing to the NAMB KickStart program.”
 
NAMB KickStart has been an effective growth engine for the industry, serving as a springboard to more than 40 independent mortgage broker shops throughout the country since the program launched in September 2016. Recipients are gifted up to $10,000 for initial startup cost such as office space and furniture, loan origination software and even leads.
 
UWM supported NAMB KickStart out of the gates, pledging $500,000 as the program’s founding sponsor.
 
“Although we are the founding sponsor, KickStart isn’t a UWM thing … it’s about growing the entire wholesale mortgage channel,” Ishbia said. “We’d love to see more wholesale lenders and providers hop on board and contribute to the program. With more funding NAMB and KickStart can help support more entrepreneurs start mortgage broker shops, which ultimately benefits everyone.”
 
Up until 2008, independent mortgage brokers made up nearly 33 percent of the mortgage market. Currently, they hold around 13 percent of the mortgage market and are trending upward.
 
In a survey that NAMB distributed to approximately 200 retail loan originators and bankers around the country prior to launching KickStart, roughly 70 percent of respondents reported an interest in owning their own mortgage shop. In the same survey, 44 percent of respondents indicated money as their primary barrier to opening their own business, but 60 percent said they would be more inclined to take the chance if given assistance with the startup costs.

 
About the author
Published
Aug 29, 2017
Strong Jobs Report Threatens Mortgage Rate Rally

October hiring more than doubled expectations, pushing Treasury yields higher

Nov 06, 2026
Fed Holds Rates, But Pricing Pressures Persist

Rising Treasury yields and fresh inflation data complicate rate locks, borrower qualification, and lender margins as markets anticipate another hike in December

Oct 29, 2026
Zippy Adds Capital For Manufactured-Home Lending Push

The $20 million investment from Saluda Grade will support expansion beyond 27 states and new loan products across wholesale, retail, and community channels

Oct 16, 2026
Inflation Hits 3.7%, Putting Mortgage Rate Relief At Risk

September’s inflation pickup puts recent rate improvements at risk, potentially eroding affordability gains from lower home prices and seller concessions

Oct 14, 2026
PLACE Acquires Ardley, Expanding Push To Turn Existing Borrowers Into New Loans

The latest deal connects borrower retention technology with Maxwell's origination platform and PLACE's real estate network, creating new opportunities for lenders

Oct 09, 2026
Equifax, TransUnion Launch New Tools To Cut Credit Report Costs

Both bureaus introduce ways to purchase credit scores separately from reports, while Equifax reports growing VantageScore adoption and extends $1 pricing through 2028

Oct 09, 2026