We grow high potential small businesses in Kenya and Uganda. This creates safe, secure and fairly paid work where it’s needed most.
By combining investment with highly efficient business support, we challenge conventional investor logic and make previously unviable investments, viable.
Through this journey, we deploy our Good Jobs Framework to create safe, secure and fairly paid work that moves entire families out of poverty.
Globally, 2 billion people work in the informal sector. In East Africa, it’s around 75% of the population. Women and youth are disproportionately represented. Informal work is typically low paid, insecure and unsafe. The benefits of economic development are only unlocked through access to Good Jobs.
75% in informal
employment
Exceptional informal sector entrepreneurs do exist. We believe there are over 2 million in sub-Saharan Africa with the potential to create 40 million Good Jobs. Currently, they are excluded from investment and support to grow. As a result, they start small and stay small – a huge missed opportunity.
40 million
Good Jobs
$10,000 to $100,000 of investment + 6 months of Business Support
= thriving SMEs providing good quality jobs
We invest $10,000 to $100,000 in small and growing businesses from poverty reducing sectors that have the potential to create lots of good jobs.
We partner with investees to introduce systems, technology and behaviours that build good management practices and good jobs.
We scale investees, reinvesting in the best performers, and supporting them through every stage of growth. We learn what works and replicate.
Against all the odds, entrepreneurs in Kenya and Uganda are creating jobs, changing lives, and moving communities out of poverty. Our job is to help them do it faster!
Balloon has been investing in small and growing businesses since 2018.
invested in local businesses
entrepreneurs supported
jobs created and improved
hours of 1:1 business support
A guesthouse and tour operator in Eastern Uganda.
Investment: Balloon invested to support further expansion and transform a previously unused roof space into a thriving restaurant and coffee shop.
Growth: We delivered training to improve customer experience. New financial processes were introduced. A marketing strategy is in place and all employees now have formal contracts with legal protections, job security and a commitment to training and development.
Good Jobs: 20 Good Jobs created.
Follow-On Investments: Casa has big ambitions and is already exploring new horizons, including developing a stunning lodge overlooking Sipi Falls. We’re excited to join them on this journey.
Manufactures thousands of sacks every week to transport agricultural produce.
Investment: Balloon invested in working capital to allow the business to take on much larger orders from new corporate clients.
Growth: The business has promoted staff to new roles, increased salaries and recruited additional team members to meet growing production demands and to help with back office improvements in accounting and financial management.
Good Jobs: 8 Good Jobs created.
Follow-On Investments: Agri Gunny is now looking to invest in machinery to produce new products that are currently oly available in Nairobi.
