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MEDIA RELEASES
Celebrating African Entrepreneurship: Reflections and Aspirations on Africa Day 2023
Debbie D'Costa2023-05-25T09:26:16+02:00Tags: Africa Day, Media Centre, SMEs in Africa|
Celebrating African Entrepreneurship: Reflections and Aspirations on Africa Day 2023 As we celebrate Africa Day 2023, it's a time for business owners across the continent to reflect on the progress made so far in Read more >
ADVANCING GENDER EQUALITY THROUGH TECHNOLOGY
Debbie D'Costa2023-05-25T09:39:03+02:00Tags: International Women's day, Media Centre|
Gender equality is a keystone for a thriving economy because it allows for inclusive and sustainable growth and development. Gender equality ensures that both men and women have an equal and fair chance to Read more >
How easy is it for a healthcare company to access Business Finance In Uganda?
Debbie D'Costa2023-05-25T08:42:20+02:00Tags: Healthcare business, Media Centre, Uganda|
How easy is it for a healthcare company to access Business Finance In Uganda? In Uganda, companies and healthcare institutions confront similar challenges when it comes to business funding. Healthcare funding in Uganda faces Read more >
Women Entrepreneurs: Driving Change and Overcoming Challenges in Africa (Part 2)
Debbie D'Costa2023-05-25T09:25:07+02:00Tags: International Women's day, Media Centre|
Women Entrepreneurs: Driving Change and Overcoming Challenges in Africa (Part 2) An inspirational story of successful women entrepreneurship is that of Feza Rongorongo of Rwanda. She is the founder of Precious Dishes Rwanda. Feza Read more >
Women Entrepreneurs: Driving Change and Overcoming Challenges in Africa (Part 1)
Debbie D'Costa2023-05-25T09:23:48+02:00Tags: International Women's day, Media Centre|
Women Entrepreneurs: Driving Change and Overcoming Challenges in Africa (Part 1) Women are synonymous with hard work. While the different governments, private sector, and other institutions are working to reduce gender inequality in Africa, Read more >
How To Access Manufacturing Industry Business Loans In Malawi
Debbie D'Costa2023-05-25T09:39:54+02:00Tags: Manufacturing, Media Centre|
How To Access Manufacturing Industry Business Loans In Malawi Manufacturing-based small enterprises in Malawi require Business Loans to operate and expand. Without it, these business owners run the risk of being underfunded. It would Read more >
Business Finance in Rwanda for Commercial Real Estate
Debbie D'Costa2023-05-25T09:41:00+02:00Tags: Commercial Real Estate, Media Centre|
Business finance for commercial real estate in Rwanda A significant aspect of the journey of many established businesses is financing. Most company owners must make extra efforts to attract outside investors. One of those Read more >
Business Loans In Kenya for the Food Processing Industry
Debbie D'Costa2023-02-28T21:00:27+02:00Tags: Food Processing Industry, Media Centre|
Business loans in Kenya for the food processing industry The expenditures involved in operating a manufacturing business, particularly in the food industry, can be overwhelming. However, business owners should not get stuck along the Read more >
Five New Year’s Resolutions for Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs
Debbie D'Costa2023-02-01T12:24:36+02:00Tags: Media Centre|
The start of the year presents an ideal opportunity for reflection – a chance to pause and regroup before jumping head-first into the hustle and bustle of another year. This is the opinion of Read more >
BPI ANNOUNCES US$20M FUNDING BOOST FOR BUSINESS OWNERS IN NAMIBIA AND MALAWI
Debbie D'Costa2022-10-13T09:52:00+02:00Tags: Media Centre|
Business Partners International, (BPI) has announced the expansion of its operations under which it undertakes to expand its financing solutions to small and medium business owners in Malawi and Namibia. This round of financing Read more >
Breaking Unconscious Gender Bias, Empowering Women to Thrive
Michael Muthengi Makau2022-03-31T13:51:48+02:00Tags: International Women's day, Media Centre|
The female Kenya Airways Captain who expertly landed a plane in the middle of a storm at the Heathrow Airport in London reinforced the often-quoted maxim that says women are just as good as Read more >
RELIEF FUNDING TO HELP ZAMBIA SMES WEATHER COVID-19 STORM
BPI Admin2021-12-06T11:30:22+02:00Tags: Media Centre|
Businesses in Zambia and across the world are facing unprecedented economic challenges brought about by Covid-19. The pandemic and resultant lockdowns and mobility restrictions have dealt a severe blow mainly to small and medium Read more >
PROSPERO LAUNCHES A NEW CONCESSIONAL LOAN FACILITY FOR ZAMBIAN SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
BPI Admin2021-12-06T11:30:23+02:00Tags: Media Centre|
Prospero announces the launch of a concessional loan facility targeting Zambian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Loans will help otherwise viable businesses survive the economic shock arising from the COVID pandemic. Eligible businesses will Read more >
MEDA AND BPI PARTNER TO REMOVE BARRIERS TO CAPITAL FOR WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS
BPI Admin2021-12-06T11:30:27+02:00Tags: Media Centre|
The business case for empowering women entrepreneurs, particularly for the critical role they play as drivers of economic growth and job creation, has strengthened over the past decade. However, evidence suggests that the number Read more >
BUSINESS TIPS
Real Estate Acquisition: A Practical Choice for Entrepreneurs
BPI Admin2023-11-20T13:54:13+02:00Tags: BPI Insights, Business Growth, Business Owners, Business Tips, Property Investment|
Every business has a life cycle. For a start-up, once the business breaks even and can successfully sustain itself, most probably, it would have outgrown its current space. This in turn leads to the Read more >
The Indispensable Role of Human Interaction and Personal Connections in Business and Entrepreneurship
Jean-Claude Ishimwe Mutajogire2023-08-29T16:36:06+02:00Tags: Business Growth, Business resolutions, Business Tips|
In the ever-evolving landscape of business and entrepreneurship, technological advancements have reshaped the way we conduct business, however, the essence of building relationships and fostering connections on a personal level remains paramount. It is Read more >
Crafting an Effective Business Plan for SME Financing in Africa: 11 Best Practices to Captivate Investors for your Business
Debbie D'Costa2023-08-28T13:13:56+02:00Tags: Business Growth, Business resolutions, Business Tips|
Welcome to Business Partners International, where we aim to help you succeed in securing SME financing in the African market. A well-crafted business plan plays a pivotal role in achieving this goal. In this Read more >
Accelerating Business Success: 12 Key Strategies for the Second Half of the Year
Akuzike Kwafamba2023-07-28T12:44:06+02:00Tags: Business Growth, Business Tips, Malawi|
As we embark on the second half of the year, businesses are presented with a pivotal moment to evaluate their progress and proactively prepare for continued success. At Business Partners International Malawi, we recognize Read more >
Entrepreneurship in 2023: Embracing Sustainability
Debbie D'Costa2023-02-01T12:23:55+02:00Tags: Business Growth, Business resolutions, Business Tips|
As we enter a new year, it's important for entrepreneurs to consider how their businesses can contribute to a sustainable future. In 2023, embracing sustainability will be crucial for long-term success in not just Read more >
11 Habits of the Most Successful Entrepreneurs
Debbie D'Costa2023-02-01T12:18:31+02:00Tags: Business Growth, Business resolutions, Business Tips|
Habits are the backbone of success for any entrepreneur. Habits by their definition are the small, daily actions that shape our lives and help us achieve our goals. The most successful entrepreneurs have a Read more >
EARN A LIVING MAKING AN IMPACT
Sam Ikela2022-11-22T15:25:50+02:00Tags: Business Growth, Business resolutions, Business Tips|
Employment is a key driver of the economic development of any country and is considered a crucial measure of economic growth and social development. Generally, the more the economy grows, the more it delivers jobs for Read more >
NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS TO HELP GROW YOUR BUSINESS
BPI Admin2022-02-01T14:30:49+02:00Tags: Business Growth, Business resolutions, Business Tips|
There is something magical about new beginnings. For example, the start of a new year ignites the desire to start afresh or do things differently in most people. Business owners too often look ahead Read more >
HOW TO EMPOWER WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES
Mark Paper2021-12-06T11:30:26+02:00Tags: Business Tips|
Today, women are as likely as their male counterparts to seize the business opportunities around them. However, numerous studies show that women entrepreneurs tend to concentrate on low-profitability or low-growth sectors such as retail, Read more >
SEVEN WAYS TO INNOVATE AND INCREASE BUSINESS RESILIENCE
Vincent Kiyingi2021-12-06T11:30:26+02:00Tags: Business Tips|
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a far-reaching impact on businesses around the world, as increasingly more countries go into lockdown, forcing many non-essential industries into an abrupt standstill. For impacted small and medium-sized enterprises Read more >
HOW TO PREPARE YOUR BUSINESS FOR A RESILIENT 2021
Vincent Kiyingi2021-12-06T11:30:26+02:00Tags: Business Tips|
How businesses can use COVID-19 lessons to get back on track As 2021 kicked off with another Lockdown extension and a new wave of COVID-19 infections, businesses have experienced a tough start to the Read more >
HAS COVID-19 TRIGGED A REINVENTION OF SME FINANCING?
Mark Paper2021-12-06T11:30:26+02:00Tags: Business Tips|
While financing solutions for small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs) have typically been geared towards providing growth capital for business expansion, the COVID-19 crisis has elicited a rapid shift of focus to the provision of relief finance Read more >
SMES ROLE IN DRIVING THE SUSTAINABILITY AGENDA
Jean-Claude Ishimwe Mutajogire2021-12-06T11:30:26+02:00Tags: Business Tips|
If you’re a small business owner, sustainability can be intimidating and amorphous. And you are not alone. Most small businesses wonder what they stand to gain by adopting sustainable business practices, and believe that Read more >
BUSINESS DASHBOARDS
Michael Muthengi Makau2021-12-06T11:30:27+02:00Tags: Business Tips|
Imagine someone looking for a vehicle to purchase? They have reviewed the photos online, they get a copy log-book for the vehicle and everything else looks great. They go to the car yard to Read more >
EMBRACING THE DIGITAL ENVIRONMENT: WHY IT IS IMPORTANT FOR SME’S TO HAVE AN ONLINE PRESENCE
Vincent Kiyingi2021-12-06T11:30:27+02:00Tags: Business Tips|
The COVID-19 crisis has been difficult for individuals and businesses alike. Stories of doom and gloom continue to dominate our news. However, there are a few positive developments that have emanated from the deadly Read more >
HOW TO GET YOUR START-UP INVESTOR READY
Jean-Claude Ishimwe Mutajogire2021-12-06T11:30:27+02:00Tags: Business Tips|
Nothing gives an entrepreneur impetus to work harder than when he sees his business grow. But truth be told, starting and running a successful business is no mean task. It is a tough row Read more >
CLIENT STORIES
I TURNED MY PASSION INTO PROFITS
Debbie D'Costa2022-10-17T11:47:54+02:00Categories: Client Stories, Rwanda|Tags: Client Stories|
Expanding success through mentorship
Value-added services from financial institutions are not something Rwandan SMEs are accustomed to, and the benefit one young entrepreneur, Jean de Dieu Kagabo, gained from a Business Partners mentorship was a welcome surprise.Read more >
How I landed the right financial partner
Debbie D'Costa2022-06-22T08:56:16+02:00Categories: Client Stories, Uganda|Tags: Client Stories|
Initial failure spurs major restaurant success
When David Emitu decided to open a restaurant in a brand-new shopping centre in the Ntinda district of Kampala, Uganda, he had no experience in the catering business, but he knew he had to make it work. Read more >
KEEPING THE VISION ALIVE AMIDST THE PANDEMIC
Debbie D'Costa2022-06-22T08:51:01+02:00Categories: Client Stories, Kenya|Tags: Client Stories|
After long corporate career entrepreneur steps out to build lasting legacy
In the stereotypical image the entrepreneur is a young person, scarcely out of school, ready to disrupt whatever industry he sets his mind to. Read more >
PETER FROST
BPI Admin2021-12-06T11:30:23+02:00Categories: Client Stories, Zambia|Tags: Client Stories|
Hands-on business owner takes family business to new level
As a trainee farmer Peter Frost learned that the best fertiliser is the farmer’s footprints in the field. It proved true not only in the first part of his career as a farm manager in South Africa, but also as a business owner rebuilding his family printing business in Lusaka, Zambia. Read more >
DAVID EMITU
BPI Admin2021-12-06T11:30:23+02:00Categories: Client Stories, Uganda|Tags: Client Stories|
Initial failure spurs major restaurant success
When David Emitu decided to open a restaurant in a brand-new shopping centre in the Ntinda district of Kampala, Uganda, he had no experience in the catering business, but he knew he had to make it work. Read more >
ANDREW MUWANGA
BPI Admin2021-12-06T11:30:23+02:00Categories: Client Stories, Uganda|Tags: Client Stories|
Business owner keeps life-long dream alive with steely discipline
Sometimes the currents of the business world take business owners so far away from their original dream that they never get to pursue their passion, even though they grow financially successful. Read more >
JEAN DE DIEU KAGABO
BPI Admin2021-12-06T11:30:24+02:00Categories: Client Stories, Rwanda|Tags: Client Stories|
Expanding success through mentorship
Value-added services from financial institutions are not something Rwandan SMEs are accustomed to, and the benefit one young entrepreneur, Jean de Dieu Kagabo, gained from a Business Partners mentorship was a welcome surprise.Read more >
CELESTINE MAKUZA
BPI Admin2021-12-06T11:30:24+02:00Categories: Client Stories, Rwanda|Tags: Client Stories|
Events management business on forefront of nation’s emergence
The fact that Kigali, the bustling capital of Rwanda is the home of a thriving events management company specialising in corporate functions is testimony to the remarkable emergence of the country as a growing economy from the devastation of genocide with Rwanda’s economy projected to grow in the range of 6 to 7 percent in 2018. Read more >
KAGISO MOLOI
BPI Admin2021-12-06T11:30:24+02:00Categories: Client Stories, Namibia|Tags: Client Stories|
Find markets outside your comfort zone, says medical pioneer
Sometimes entrepreneurs have to move far outside their comfort zone before they find a market that propel them to success. Read more >
JOYCE MSUNGAMA
BPI Admin2021-12-06T11:30:24+02:00Categories: Client Stories, Malawi|Tags: Client Stories|
A home or a business? The tough call made by this business owner.
After saving funds from employment for a number of years, many choose to build a house of their dreams. Joyce Msungama was no different. Read more >
ROBIN ALUFANDIKA
BPI Admin2021-12-06T11:30:24+02:00Categories: Client Stories, Malawi|Tags: Client Stories|
A passion to save, a passion to serve for this Malawian business owner
From a baker to a business tycoon who owns one of Malawi’s prestigious venues which has hosted a variety of memorable events. Read more >
THOMAS MACHASIO
BPI Admin2021-12-06T11:30:25+02:00Categories: Client Stories, Kenya|Tags: Client Stories|
After long corporate career entrepreneur steps out to build lasting legacy
In the stereotypical image the entrepreneur is a young person, scarcely out of school, ready to disrupt whatever industry he sets his mind to. Read more >
WAHOME KARANJA
BPI Admin2021-12-06T11:30:25+02:00Categories: Client Stories, Kenya|Tags: Client Stories|
Business owners’ chosen difficult route pays off
What drives some entrepreneurs to take a more difficult path than others in their industry? It is certainly not only the promise of profits. Read more >
VICTOR ACHOKA
BPI Admin2021-12-06T11:30:25+02:00Categories: Client Stories, Kenya|Tags: Client Stories|
Changing lives a prescription at a time; the road to funding a viable pharmacy.
The minute he stepped into medical school, Victor Achoka was focused on one thing only. The long hours of study, the constant learning and relearning of scientific concepts only strengthened his belief in his higher calling.Read more >
MOHAMMAD KHAN
BPI Admin2021-12-06T11:30:25+02:00Categories: Client Stories, Kenya|Tags: Client Stories|
Man sets eyes on macadamia empire
Mr Khan arrived in Kenya in 2010 in search of a business opportunity, with the hope of settling down and making a fortune. Read more >
MOSES WAITHAKA
BPI Admin2021-12-06T11:30:25+02:00Categories: Client Stories, Kenya|Tags: Client Stories|
The power of connections: The Ombra Investments story
In 2014, Moses Waithaka and his wife Susan, made the bold decision of act on an idea that had been bubbling under for some time. Read more >
TOM OMBASA SOIGWA
BPI Admin2021-12-06T11:30:27+02:00Categories: Client Stories, Kenya|Tags: Client Stories|
Solving social problems with business solutions
Tom Ombasa Soigwa, a property developer who owns holiday rental properties in the Kenyan coastal resort of Kilifi, 60km north of Mombasa, was one day urged by members of the local community to have a look at the student accommodation in the town. Read more >ABOUT A CAREER AT
BUSINESS PARTNERS INTERNATIONAL
At Business Partners International, we recognise that our employees’ knowledge, skills and competencies are essential in the achievement of our goal to be a world class, added-value investor in small and medium enterprises.
Our main objective is to recruit the best people who experience job satisfaction, are able to grow and develop in their working environment and above all the pride of working at a world-respected organisation.
OUR RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Our recruitment process starts off with a short list being compiled for the job opportunity based on candidates meeting the minimum requirements for the role. The shortlisted candidates will be invited for a maximum of three interviews. Candidates that are seriously being considered will further be invited to complete a psychometric assessment (to see what this is about, please visit our service provider’s website: www.shl.com. Reference and qualification checks are also conducted. Once there is a match between the prospective employee and Business Partners International, a job offer will be extended to the successful candidate (if any).
Please understand that correspondence will only be with short-listed candidates, and if you do not receive a reply from us within four weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful. Your profile will be kept on our database for any other suitable positions.
To view the current positions available at Business Partners International, please visit the Career Vacancies page.
Business Partners International offers market related remuneration plus compelling benefits.
FAQs
- New Finance Enquiries
- Billing & Accounts
- Media & Public Relations
- HR Enquiries
- General Enquiries
New Finance Enquiries
We do not provide grants; we offer business loans ranging from US$100 000 to US$ 1 million*.
* Kenya: KES 10 Million to KES 100 Million
Rwanda: RWF 98 Million to RWF 980 Million
Uganda: UGX 360 Million to UGX 3.6 Billion
Namibia: NAD 1.5 Million to NAD 15 Million
Zambia: MWK 80 Million to MWK 800 Million
We offer business finance ranging from US$100 000 to US$ 1 million* to viable small and medium enterprises. The finance offered is tailor made to suit the circumstances of each applicant.
* Kenya: KES 10 Million to KES 100 Million
Rwanda: RWF 98 Million to RWF 980 Million
Uganda: UGX 360 Million to UGX 3.6 Billion
Namibia: NAD 1.5 Million to NAD 15 Million
Malawi: MWK 100 Million to MWK 1 Billion
- We only finance viable formally registered small and medium enterprises.
- We only provide finance between US$100 000 to US$ 1 million*.
* Kenya: KES 10 Million to KES 100 Million
Malawi: MWK 100 Million to MWK 1 Billion
Rwanda: RWF 98 Million to RWF 980 Million
Uganda: UGX 360 Million to UGX 3.6 Billion
Namibia: NAD 1.5 Million to NAD 15 Million
- Each application is considered on its merits and on the potential profitability of the business.
- We do not finance on-lending activities, direct farming operations, underground mining, informal and micro enterprises and non-profit organisations.
There is no set interest charge in place; each transaction is priced to offer a fair deal. We tailor our finance to meet your business’s unique needs and negotiate pricing and repayment terms with you.
Still have a question? Please send an email to:
Kenya: enquiries@businesspartners.co.ke
Malawi: enquiries@businesspartners.mw
Namibia: enquiries@businesspartners.com.na
Rwanda: enquiries@businesspartners.rw
Uganda: enquiries@businesspartners.co.ug
Billing and Accounts
Still have a question? Please send an email to:
Kenya: enquiries@businesspartners.co.ke
Malawi: enquiries@businesspartners.mw
Namibia: enquiries@businesspartners.com.na
Rwanda: enquiries@businesspartners.rw
Uganda: enquiries@businesspartners.co.ug
Media & Public Relations
You can send an email to Debbie D’Costa at dcosta@businesspartners.co.ke and we will add you to the media mailing list.
You can contact:
Debbie D’Costa
Marketing Officer
T +254 20 280 5000
T +254 722 209 784
T +254 735 826 297
C +254 731 238014 (direct)
dcosta@businesspartners.co.ke
HR Enquiries
- Our recruitment process starts off with a short list being compiled for the job opportunity based on candidates meeting the minimum requirements for the role.
- The shortlisted candidates are invited for a maximum of three interviews.
- After the interviews, candidates that are being considered are then invited to complete a psychometric assessment (to see what this is about, please visit our service provider’s website: (www.shl.com). Reference and qualification checks are also conducted.
- Once there is a match between the prospective employee and Business Partners International, a job offer is extended to the successful candidate (if any).
- Please understand that we communicate only be with short-listed candidates, and if you do not receive a reply from us within four weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful.
General Enquiries
We consider all viable small and medium enterprises (SMEs) for business finance.
Yes, we finance established entrepreneurs of all genders and to address some of the societal challenges, we put in efforts to support businesses run by female entrepreneurs.
- Entrepreneurs are our exclusive focus and, as such, we offer products and services specifically tailored to meet their unique needs.
- We have been investing in entrepreneurs since 2006 and offer both business finance and added-value solutions, catering for every step of the business journey.
- Our staff have in-depth knowledge of the SME sector, as well as insight into the opportunities available to and challenges facing businesses.
- We are a viability-based financier and do not have the same security and other requirements that the commercial banks do.
We aim to be as quick as possible in giving you a response to your application. The timeframe involved depends on the comprehensiveness of the business plan submitted, the complexity of the due diligence process and the time is takes for you to provide answers and/or additional information as requested by our Investment team, where necessary.
That is why we have been the business financier of choice for many business owners for 15 years.
We provide business finance in most sectors including manufacturing, commercial property, retail, motor trade, travel and tourism, leisure, and services industries.
We do not provide finance for on-lending activities, farming (primary agriculture) operations, underground mining. We also do not finance non-profit organisations, informal and micro enterprises.
Generally, We consider financing applications from businesses where annual turnover does not exceed US$ 10 million and/or employees are less than 500 in number.
- The underlying business must be proven to be viable.
- The business should have a sound financial track record.
- The business must occupy at least 50% of the property to be purchased.
- The property to be purchased should be in a good condition, well located and be available at a reasonable market value.
- The operating business should meet affordability expectations.
- Residential and agriculture properties are excluded.
Each application is considered on its merits and on the potential profitability of the business.
You can apply online on our website.
Still have a question? Please send an email to:
Kenya: enquiries@businesspartners.co.ke
Malawi: enquiries@businesspartners.mw
Namibia: enquiries@businesspartners.com.na
Rwanda: enquiries@businesspartners.co.rw
Uganda: enquiries@businesspartners.co.ug