Business Partners Limited is a specialist risk finance company that provides customised financial solutions, sectoral knowledge, mentorship, business premises and other value added services for formal small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa and selected African countries, namely Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Rwanda, Uganda and Zambia.
Research has proven that entrepreneurial SMEs are very effective at stimulating economic growth, generating wealth and creating jobs – all of which are required for this company to successfully combat unemployment and poverty.
Business Partners
Entrepreneurs almost always work against the grain, often challenging conformity, because they see the world through fresh eyes. Where others see problems and challenges, they see opportunities and turn them into solutions. They share an unwavering belief in their abilities and skills to solve problems while fulfilling societal needs. Statistics show that only one in a handful of people possesses the qualities to be an entrepreneur
Business Partners recognise the need for more entrepreneurs and exist to fulfil their needs and requirements, exclusively in the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector. They are passionate about entrepreneurs, entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial development.
Their strength lies in their ability to tailor-make their service offerings to suit each entrepreneur’s unique needs, thus becoming the best unofficial business partner. . By always facilitating finance opportunities, sharing knowledge and being entrepreneurial in our approach, Business Partners are always contributing to building entrepreneurs.
Financial solutions provided by Business Partners
It is based on a set of important factors including product/service, market size, company history, stage of business development and technical aspects and the entrepreneur’s drive, experience and integrity. Online applications for financing for up to R25 million are considered. The applying business must have gross assets under R100 million, with annual turnover being lower than R200 million and the staff number being under 500 people. Businesses from most sectors of the economy can apply.
1. General finance
All funding is considered for all entrepreneurs who have a viable formal business and who require financing for expansion, working capital, equipment, takeovers, or management buy-outs. The most important criteria looked at are the skills, experience and industry knowledge of the entrepreneur (or entrepreneurs), and the market need for the business’ products or services.
2. Brands and Franchise Fund
The franchise industry contributes approximately 11.6% to the total GDP of the country and forms a significant part of the country’s overall economy. This fund affords opportunities to existing and aspiring entrepreneurs to own and expand their franchises through finance and mentorship.
Through the Education SME Fund, Business Partners aim to assist in alleviating this challenge by providing existing and aspiring entrepreneurs in this industry with finance and support to start or expand education facilities. The objective of this fund is to provide finance and mentorship to for-profit enterprises that are in the business of knowledge and skills transfer across all industries.
4. Green Fund
The Green Fund is aimed at financing and supporting sustainable businesses and projects which seek to positively impact on the environment and simultaneously create wealth and jobs. The company finances businesses which actively develop, manufacture and provide goods and services aimed at ‘saving the planet’, as well as those businesses that are implementing measures and/or technology which reduce their adverse impact on the environment.
5. Manufacturing FundThe Manufacturing Fund aims to deliver finance in a commercially sustainable manner that is specifically targeted to meet the financing and developmental needs of SMEs within this sector.
6. Property FundThis fund caters 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. Business Partners 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.
7. Property Joint Venture FundFor 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.
Business Partners 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.
8. Venture FundThe company recognises the potential benefit that innovative and high-risk growth enterprises can bring to the country, and it is for this reason that the Venture Fund is aimed at financing high impact entrepreneurs.
9. Women in Business FundThe Women in Business Fund aims to afford women entrepreneurs a fair and equal opportunity to start, expand or purchase an existing business.
It aims to:
- Increase access to finance for women entrepreneurs;
- Invest in commercially viable women-owned businesses;
- Facilitate the growth and expansion of women-owned businesses;
- Contribute towards an increase in the number of successful women entrepreneurs and inspire young females to choose entrepreneurship;
- Facilitate the creation of new jobs.
Female entrepreneurs financed through the Women in Business Fund are supported with additional value added services:
- Female investment team to support with application process;
- Access to information and networking opportunities;
- Access to a web-based library and electronic newsletters;
- Peer mentorship and networking;
- Workshops and seminars;
- Once off free individual membership to an approved business women organisation to the value of R1 000;
- A technical assistance grant of up to R25 000 and a further R35 000 interest-free loan for technical assistance, should it be required;
- Access to dedicated industry specific mentors.
At DTC we understand the complexities of the various funding agencies and the unique application criteria for each. We have assisted thousands of entrepreneurs through the application process to access funding for businesses, and we can assist you with the same.
Contact us for more information on funding through Business Partners.