ENTREPRENEUR: INFORMAL BUSINESS
Business Formalization & Growth Program
Turn Your Business Into a Reality – Completely FREE!
WHAT IS THIS OPPORTUNITY?
In partnership with Standard Bank, we are looking for hardworking people in Namibia who are already running small businesses (even if not registered) or have good business ideas they want to start.
Why are we doing this?
NIFA and Standard Bank know that many talented entrepreneurs in Namibia are held back by not knowing how to register their businesses or access proper banking and funding. We want to help you turn your hustle into a real formalised business that can grow and support your family.
What do you get?
Over 3–4 months, we will help you register your business legally, teach you essential business skills, and connect you to funding opportunities.
WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE (WORTH OVER N$18,000)
Assistance With Business Formalisation:
• Assistance registering your business with BIPA
• Help getting all licenses and permits you need
• Basic legal advice for small businesses
• Help opening your first business bank account
FREE Business Skills Training:
• How to manage money and keep business records
• How to find and keep customers
• How to price your products/services properly
• Basic business planning and growth strategies
• Financial literacy and money management
Access to Banking & Small Loans:
• Help opening business bank account with Standard Bank
• Introduction to mobile money and digital payments
• Access to microfinance and small business loans
• Training on how banks work and how to build good credit
Support & Community:
• Mentorship & guidance
• Community of other entrepreneurs learning together
• Ongoing support even after the program ends
• Connection to customers and suppliers in your area
WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
You Must Have:
• Namibian ID
• Already doing some kind of business (selling, services, etc.) OR have a clear business idea
• Some income from business activities (even if small or irregular)
• Willingness to formalise your business
• Willing to learn new business skills
• Available time to attend monthly meetings for 3–4 months
Perfect if You:
• Sell products at markets, from home, or door-to-door
• Provide services like hair braiding, cleaning, repairs, etc.
• Have a business idea but don't know how to start properly
• Want to open a shop or proper business location
• Want to access business loans but don't have bank account
• Want to grow your income to better support your family
You Need to Provide:
• Your Namibian ID
• Photos or proof of your current business (if you have one)
• Simple description of what you do or want to do
• Contact information for yourself and one family member/friend
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO
Monthly Commitment:
• Attend community business training
• Meet with mentor or program staff
• Complete simple tasks to improve your business
• Work on registering your business with help from program staff
• Practice new business skills in your daily work
By the End of the Program, You Will:
• Have a registered business with all proper papers
• Have a business bank account and know how to use banking services
• Know how to keep proper business records and manage money
• Have connections to customers, suppliers, and other business people
• Be ready to apply for small business loans to grow further
• Have confidence and skills to run a successful business
COSTS & BENEFITS
COST TO YOU: NOTHING – 100% FREE
• No fees to join
• No fees for business registration help
• No training costs
• All help with paperwork and legal requirements provided free
WARNING: If anyone asks you to pay money to join this program, it’s a scam. This program is completely free.
WHAT YOU GET:
• Over N$18,000 worth of business registration and training
• Help that normally costs thousands of Namibian dollars
• Access to banking services you couldn’t get before
• Support to grow your income significantly
• Legal business that you can be proud of
Terms and Conditions
1. Application & Selection
• All information submitted must be true, accurate, and complete.
• Submission of an application does not guarantee selection into the Program.
• The Program reserves the right to verify any information and disqualify applicants providing false or misleading data.
• Shortlisted applicants may be contacted for interviews or to submit supporting documentation.
• Final selection will be based on merit, program fit, diversity, and development potential.
2. Program Commitment
If selected, participants agree to:
• Attend all required training sessions, workshops, and mentorship meetings.
• Complete baseline assessments and end-of-program profiling.
• Actively engage in program activities, including possible hackathons, showcase events, and Demo Day.
• Maintain professional conduct and respect the guidelines of partner institutions and venues.
Failure to meet participation requirements may result in removal from the Program.