To even further complement our finance products, we offer a specialised Technical Assistance Programme to our clients, which provides value-added expert assistance to you, the entrepreneur (business owner), for different aspects of your business. This may range from accounting support, problem solving, marketing plans, and health and safety strategies to turnaround solutions. For more information on the Technical Assistance Programme, click here.
We consider funding for all entrepreneurs (business owners) who have a viable formal business and who require financing for expansion, working capital, equipment, takeovers, or management buy-outs.
Each application is considered on its merits and on the potential profitability of the business. The most important criteria we look at are the skills, experience and industry knowledge of the entrepreneur (or entrepreneurs), and the market need for the business' products or services.
When you apply for finance, your proposal will be assessed on the viability of your business, which comprises two important elements:
The funding may be used for:
We consider financing applications from formal SMEs whose gross assets are under US$ 8 million*, where annual turnover does not exceed US$ 17 million* and/or employees are less than 500 in number (*Paid out in the local currency).
Applications are considered in all sectors of the economy with the exception of on-lending activities, direct farming operations, underground mining, informal and micro enterprises and non-profit organisations.
Financing period:
5 years on average.
Minimum and maximum loan amount:
US$ 50 000 to US$ 1 million.
Disbursed in local currency.
Own contribution requirements:
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.
Required documents for application:
Business plan. Annual financial statements. Up to date management accounts. Cash flow forecast. CV of entrepreneur/s.
Want to know more about our financing criteria? Click here for our investment FAQ.
Our Property finance solutions cater to entrepreneurs 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.
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, however, allow the entrepreneur a choice of different financing options and are able to structure the deal by advancing up to 110% of the financing required, subject to terms and conditions.
Applications will be considered based on the following conditions:
Residential and agriculture properties are excluded.
A maximum of 5 years, with repayments structured over 10 years with a bullet payment in year 5.
$ 50 000 to $1 million.
Disbursed in local currency.
Own contribution is not required.
Business plan. Annual financial statements of the underlying business. Details of the proposed property.
Want to know more about our financing criteria? Click here for our property FAQ.
For entrepreneurs looking to add a property component to their investment portfolio, multi-tenanted properties are attractive and viable options, as they provide both capital appreciation and a rental income.
We co-invest in multi-tenanted property projects mainly in two instances. Firstly, when a potential investor is unable or unwilling to invest the full deposit (equity) required by a commercial lending institution. Secondly, where a viable property investment has been over-geared and needs a restructuring of the existing debt, converting debt finance to equity finance.
Finance will be considered for:
The prospective property investor may choose to either have an active role or be a passive investor.
Residential properties, agricultural properties, and mines are excluded.
Ideally up to 5 years.
US$ 50 000 to US$ 1 million.
A proportionate share of the equity will be required and will influence the shareholding percentage.
Details of the property and supporting documentation. The entrepreneurs’ latest personal assets and liabilities.
Want to know more about our financing criteria? Click here for our property joint venture finance FAQ.
