SERVICES
- SME lending solutions
- Non-Financial services
- Application process
SME LENDING SOLUTIONS
The core of our focus is providing you with finance for your formal business. We structure unique, individualised financing solutions using shareholder loans, equity, royalties and term loans – or any combination of these. We pride ourselves on having developed a range of finance products offering maximum flexibility to suit your specific needs.
BUSINESS FINANCE
We provide business finance ranging from US$ 100 000 to US$ 1 million to established entrepreneurs with a viable formal business. Finance can be used for expansion, working capital, equipment, takeovers, property, franchises, property finance for owner occupied businesses, revamps, or management buy-outs.
- 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.
- Our first assessment is based on the cash flow viability and potential of the business, the product/service and its market acceptability, market size, the gearing of the business – debt to capital ratio of the business which influences its ability to exist and grow, the business’ track record, the stage of its development and medium to long-term profit potential, technical aspects, location of the business. This makes us different from most traditional financiers, particularly banks, who focus on security (the extent of the owner's equity and collateral).
- Our next assessment is on the business owner – we evaluate their technical and management skills and experience, their business acumen – their ability to run a successful business on sound business principles and their personal principles such as integrity, drive and vision.
- We negotiate pricing and repayment terms with you.
- We structure personalised business finance solutions.
- We negotiate and agree on the pricing of the business loan during the initial financing discussions.
- We negotiate and agree on the repayment period during the initial financing discussions.
- The usual repayment period is between three to five years.
We do not finance on-lending activities, direct farming operations, underground mining, informal and micro enterprises and non-profit organisations.
The finance is repayable over 5 years (60 months).
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
There is no minimum set for own contribution however, the gearing and other factors that affect the viability of a transaction are be taken into consideration.
Completed application.
Business plan.
Annual financial statements.
Up to date management accounts.
Cash flow forecast.
CV of business owner/s.
If you are an established entrepreneur, apply today to obtain finance tailored to your individual requirements.
WE FINANCE ESTABLISHED ENTREPRENEURS
Because we understand the challenges business owners face, we take more risk and finance more established entrepreneurs than most financiers.
UP TO 100% COMMERCIAL PROPERTY FINANCE
Watch this video to learn why you should own your business premises
PROPERTY FINANCE
Our Property finance caters to established business owners with a viable business who want to refinance or purchase their own premises, but may have limited capital or security to contribute, or may not want to compromise the business’ cash resources for the deposit. We also finance Residential property developments, Properties for student accommodation and Commercial property developments. You should choose our commercial property finance because:
- In most cases, conventional financiers require a cash deposit before considering financing a property deal. The deposit amount depends on the risk appetite of the financier and deposits of up to 50% may be required.
- We allow the business owner a choice of different financing options and can structure the deal by advancing up to 110% of the financing required, subject to terms and conditions.
- The underlying business must be proven to be viable and been in existence for no less than two years.
- 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.
We do not finance residential (homes for own use), and agriculture properties.
The finance is amortised over 120 months and includes a bullet payment in month 60.
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
Own contribution is not required.
Completed application.
Business plan.
Annual financial statements of the underlying business.
Details of the proposed property.
PROPERTY JOINT VENTURE FINANCE
Our Property Joint Venture Finance provides finance to established entrepreneurs looking to add multi- tenanted properties to their investment portfolio. We do this because we understand that multi-tenanted properties provide both capital appreciation and a rental income.
We co-invest in multi-tenanted property projects mainly in two instances:
- When a potential investor (established entrepreneur) is unable or unwilling to invest the full deposit (equity) required by a commercial lending institution.
- Where a viable property investment has been over-geared and needs a restructuring of the existing debt, converting debt finance to equity finance.
- Property investments in sustainable areas offering good growth and/or return on investment, preferably in metropolitan areas.
- Retail, industrial, and commercial multi-tenanted properties.
- Properties that require reconfiguration or upgrades.
- Cut-up-and-sell properties and industrial leasebacks.
- The prospective property investor may choose to either have an active role or be a passive investor.
The finance is repayable over 5 years.
We only provide finance between 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
Malawi: MWK 100 Million to MWK 1 Billion
If you are an established entrepreneur, apply today to obtain up to 100% commercial property finance.
NON-FINANCIAL SERVICES
Our added-value services provide an integrated solution for you, catering for all aspects of your business needs. These include consulting and mentorship services, offered through a database of highly skilled business and industry specialists.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME
Many business failures can be attributed to financial, management and reporting factors that can ordinarily be addressed through mentorship and technical assistance support throughout a business’s life cycle. It is for this reason we provide technical assistance through expert consultants to help business owners navigate the many challenges they face in their business journey and close the skills gap that may exist within a business.
Through this Technical Assistance Programme, we provide access to the skills and support a business owner needs, when they need it.
This covers advice and assistance with basic and practical functions, coaching, problem diagnosis, customised solutions and implementation assistance, e.g., allowing a seasoned mentor or skilled consultant to review your business performance to maximise on opportunities or resolve problems.
Specialist technical assistance and consulting
This includes specialised assistance with specific management functions such as budgeting, marketing, credit control, cash flow management, accounting, and taxation. It may include improving business performance through ISO certification or even HACCP compliance for those businesses exporting products abroad.
Sectoral technical assistance and consulting
This is industry specific assistance involving support with expertise in the sector, e.g., manufacturing, hospitality, transport, or construction.
Turnaround solutions
This is for business owners experiencing difficulty in their businesses and assistance would be for turning the business around to profitability, usually through a mentor or independent consultant.
Training of any employees of a portfolio company
Assistance provided involves training staff in the business, either through group or one-on-one sessions with the view to enhancing capacity, e.g., training for optimum use of plant and equipment, maximising efficiency or even specific software programme training.
Your application for technical assistance will follow these steps:
STEP 1
APPLY
Applying for technical assistance can be done in two ways. Either as part of your finance application, where you and the member of our investment team assisting with the process identify the need for technical assistance services and include the application along with your finance application OR if you already are a client, you can submit a separate application to the investment team member managing your portfolio.
STEP 2
EVALUATE AND SELECT A MENTOR/SERVICE PROVIDER
Once your technical assistance application is duly assessed and approved, we will present you with a choice of appropriate mentors, or service providers, from which you may make a final selection.
STEP 3
INITIAL MEETING
Once you have selected a mentor or service provider, we will prepare and submit a comprehensive Terms of Reference to them. The mentor or service provider will in turn meet with you to confirm the Terms of Reference and to finalise the timeframe, costs, and related matters.
STEP 4
CONTRACTING
If all parties reach an agreement, you will enter into a contractual agreement with Business Partners International.
STEP 5
POST ASSIGNMENT REVIEW
After the technical assistance has run its course and the business intervention is complete, the mentor or service provider is required to submit a payment form to Business Partners International. For this form to be submitted your signature is required to acknowledge the assignment was completed to your satisfaction. We will then settle the payment with the mentor or service provider.
STEP 6
REPAYMENT
Once the process is complete and the mentor or service provider has been paid by Business Partners International, you will then be required to start repaying the technical assistance loan under the terms and conditions mentioned in step 4.
The Technical Assistance Programme complements the new and existing client’s loan and as such the application request will be assessed as part of the finance deal. Enquiries can be made to the investment team reviewing your application and/or managing your portfolio.
STEP 1
You complete our Pre-application Assessment.
The minimum application amount is $100,000 (in your local currency).
STEP 2
We conduct an initial assessment of the information you have provided (financials. Business Profile and Funding Motivation) and provide immediate feedback on whether or not you can proceed with the rest of our application journey.
STEP 3
If your application meets the minimum requirements, you can proceed with your application and provide us with a range of other business documents and information. (E.g. Company, directors and security documents)
STEP 4
We conduct due diligence – this process may involve you submitting additional documents.
STEP 5
We structure the financing terms including pricing and negotiate with you. Once we reach an agreement, we obtain approval from internal approval committees.
STEP 6
We provide you with feedback regarding your approval. If your application has investment committee approval, we prepare legal documentation for signature.
STEP 7
We disburse funds to you according to agreed terms.
STEP 8
You repay the loan according to agreed terms.