Micro-Investment Principles

What have you already done — with no money?

Have you spoken to potential customers? Tested your idea in any way? Started saving? Come to our first conversation with concrete answers to these questions. If the answer is nothing yet, come back when it is.

Start with what you have, not what you need

The strongest businesses are built on existing skills, relationships, and local resources. Before we discuss investment, be clear on what you already bring to the table — not just what is missing.

Bring a plan, not a dream

Vision matters. But vision without preparation is just a wish. I want to see that you have thought through your idea seriously: who your customers are, what it will cost, and what could go wrong. A simple written plan is the minimum.

This is an investment, not a gift

Every amount I contribute comes with agreed repayment terms. This keeps the relationship clean and your dignity intact. It also means that when you repay, I can help the next person. I am not a donor — I am a partner with expectations.

You invest before I invest

A minimum of 20–30% of the total start-up amount must come from your own savings before I contribute anything. If you do not believe in your idea enough to save for it, I cannot believe in it either. We share the risk from day one.

Save aggressively — time has a price

Your savings target comes with a deadline. Here is something worth understanding: every month you delay starting is a month of lost income. Saving N$500 when you could save N$1,500 does not feel like much — until you calculate what those extra months of revenue would have meant. Live lean now to start earning sooner.

Know your numbers — in detail

Before any agreement, I require a full itemised breakdown of all start-up costs and a realistic estimate of monthly running costs. Round numbers are a warning sign. If you cannot break down your own costs, the plan is not ready yet.

Show me real customer evidence

I require written evidence of real conversations with potential customers — with names. "People who might be interested" is not enough. A named person who has confirmed they will buy or use your service is evidence. Talking to customers costs nothing and tells you everything.

Know your first step

I do not invest in grand plans. I invest in well-prepared first steps. Be clear on what the smallest workable version of your business looks like and what you need to get there. Start small, learn fast.

Monthly updates — no exceptions

One short update every month: what you earned, what you repaid, and what your next step is. Where relevant, a screenshot of your business or savings account. Integrity means communicating honestly, especially when things are hard. Silence is not acceptable.

Agreed evaluation moments

Our agreement includes specific moments where we both stop and honestly evaluate progress together. These are agreed in advance. They prevent small problems from becoming big ones — and they are part of every agreement I make.

Difficult months

For businesses that depend on equipment or a vehicle, our agreement includes a clause for unexpected large costs. One difficult month should not break the whole agreement — but it must be documented and communicated immediately, not after the fact.

Financial focus while the investment is active

While the investment is outstanding and the business is not yet consistently profitable, I ask for a commitment to keep personal spending lean. I understand family pressure and social expectations are real here. But every dollar spent elsewhere is a dollar that could have shortened repayment or strengthened the business.