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What you need to apply

At BUSINESS/PARTNERS, we offer viability-based risk financing to formal small and medium-sized businesses in South Africa, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zambia. This means that we tailor our products and services to meet your unique needs and we don’t have the same owner’s capital or security requirements that many other financial institutions do.

When you apply for finance, your proposal will be assessed on the viability of your sound business plan and on levels of contribution that you may be able to offer. When considering an investment proposal, we look principally for an entrepreneur with integrity, drive, vision and appropriate experience, as well as for the potential profitability of the business and a marketable product or service.

We require a complete business plan to be in place before an entrepreneur can apply for investment finance from us.

When we receive your application, we evaluate the business plan, and supply you with an in principle decision within seven days of receiving your documents. The in principle decision is followed by negotiations, due diligence, and a submission to our investment committee.

Each investment is individually structured and as such, the terms and conditions (such as interest rates, security, repayment term, own contribution, etc.) of finance vary from business to business.

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What key factors do we look for in a successful business plan?
  • A comprehensive breakdown of what needs to be financed;
  • The entrepreneur’s own contribution;
  • Up-to-date financials and realistic projections that present a viable business as a going concern (if it is an existing business);
  • A viability assessment of the transaction, showing the business’ ability to meet all cash flow commitments (debt repayment, creditors and other cash expenses) and to generate a decent and acceptable return to the shareholders;
  • A demonstration that all aspects relating to a successful business have been considered (including human resources, marketing, finance, technical, production and corporate governance);
  • Evidence of regulatory compliance by the business (for example, the business’ tax affairs must be in order);
  • A demonstration of the ability and experience of managers and key staff to successfully implement and manage the business into the future;
  • Evidence that all intentions and forecasts in the business plan are based on reasonable assumptions, supported with relevant documentation as far as possible;
  • A single document, comprising all elements and key factors mentioned in the business plan guide provided.
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A guide to writing a business plan can be found under our Entrepreneurs Growth Centre.

You may submit your business plan directly via our online ​application form, or contact your local country branch.

Want to know more about our financing? Click here for our general FAQ.

Want to know more about our financing criteria? Click here for ​our investment FAQ.

Contact us

0861 763 346


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