Business Partners

Business Partners Limited, a financial institution with over four decades of experience, has been supporting entrepreneurs in South Africa and several African countries.

The company acknowledges the crucial role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and combating poverty and unemployment. Their mission is to celebrate and honour entrepreneurs as exemplary figures and to advocate for their cause. They operate in various African countries, including Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zambia.

Origins: A joint venture for SME support and financing in Johannesburg

The company's origin can be traced back to a business conference in downtown Johannesburg in 1979, where Dr. Anton Rupert, encouraged by his son Johann, proposed collaboration between the public and private sectors to offer financial support and assistance to SMEs. In 1981, the Small Business Development Corporation Ltd (SBDC) was established, with equal ownership from both sectors.

The SBDC's primary objective was to provide investment capital and business support to a diverse range of small and micro enterprises, including startups and those lacking access to traditional capital markets.

The entrepreneur's credo: Inspiring values at the core of business partners' limited

Embedded within Business Partners Limited's ethos is the Entrepreneurs Credo, which draws inspiration from Thomas Paine's 'The Common Man’, written in 1776. This Credo encapsulates the fundamental values and beliefs that drive the company and resonate with entrepreneurs.

It serves as a guiding principle and a constant source of inspiration for the entrepreneurial community. The company hopes that every entrepreneur would embrace these words and allow them to shape their entrepreneurial journey.

Driving entrepreneurship: Business partners limited's commitment to SMEs

Through its extensive history and unwavering commitment to entrepreneurs, Business Partners Limited has established itself as a strong advocate for SMEs in South Africa and selected African countries.

By offering financial support and celebrating the achievements of entrepreneurs, they aim to foster economic growth, generate wealth, and create employment opportunities. Their ultimate vision is to elevate entrepreneurship to become the most esteemed pursuit for individuals aspiring to make a positive impact on society.

Business Partners Limited offers a specialized finance solution for SMEs, focusing on providing funding options tailored to the unique requirements of entrepreneurs.

Their range of flexible finance products includes shareholder loans, equity, royalties, and term loans, which can be combined to create personalized financing solutions for formal businesses. They take pride in their ability to offer maximum flexibility and cater to the specific needs of each business.

Flexible property finance solutions for entrepreneurs

A significant aspect of their services is property finance, where Business Partners Limited provides funding options for entrepreneurs who wish to purchase or refinance their premises.

Unlike traditional lenders that often demand a substantial cash deposit, they offer various financing options and can even provide up to 110% of the required financing, subject to specific terms and conditions. This enables established entrepreneurs to secure their business premises without putting excessive strain on their cash resources.

Empowering entrepreneurs with property finance

Business Partners Limited has established specific criteria for their property finance, including the types of properties they finance, the financing period, minimum and maximum loan amounts, their contribution requirements, and the necessary documents for the application process.

They encourage established entrepreneurs to apply for commercial property finance, which can cover up to 100% of the financing needed. This empowers entrepreneurs to acquire or refinance their properties and supports their business growth without the burdensome need for a large upfront cash deposit.

Customised funding solutions for SMEs

With their SME finance solution, including property finance, Business Partners Limited aims to provide comprehensive support to entrepreneurs by offering customised funding options. Their commitment to flexibility and meeting the specific needs of each business sets them apart, empowering SMEs to achieve their goals and fuel their growth.