MSME FAQ

What is the High Potential Pool?

The K2G High Potential Pool is a programme designed to aid in scaling the operations of export-ready micro and small businesses with high export potential for their products. These businesses are offered access to a variety of export-focused capacity building and market access platforms and facilities. They are assisted in exporting their products and growing their businesses in international markets.
What are the entry requirements for the High Potential Pool?

Members are chosen through an impartial and competitive process. Must be registered on the in4MSME mobile app (available on Android and iOS). Must be registered with all the relevant business regulators (e.g. BIPA, NAMRA, SSC, etc.). Must have a feasible business model with working prototypes of products for export; and scalable service offerings. Must be majority Namibian-owned (minimum 51%). Must bank with one of the programme partners (Bank Windhoek, Standard Bank Namibia, Letshego Bank, FNB Namibia, Nedbank Namibia). Must be in operation for at least six months. Must be either a micro or small business. "Micro" denotes businesses with a maximum of N$300 000 in annual turnover. "Small" denotes businesses with a maximum of N$3 000 000 in annual turnover. "Turnover" suggests either the current reality or potential thereof.
How do I join the High Potential Pool?

Kindly complete the online assessment using the following link: Those who meet the basic requirements will advance to the next stage. The stages are clearly outlined in the assessment.
Getting started: General users and BSOs

Step 1: Download the in4MSME App on Google Play for Android or App store for iOS Step 2: Install the mobile app. As a general user or BSO there is no need to register an account. Step 3: The homepage can be accessed via the home tab. The category tab displays MSMEs in different sectors. The wish list, notifications, and preferred theme can all be customized by the user through the profile tab. Step 4: Click on the left top tab, it opens a dashboard with different options listed from home, categories and settings. Settings allows the user to set preferences of their own. Step 5: Rate the app. Your feedback is important to us. For any inquiries, please contact msmes@nipdb.com.
Getting started: MSME users

Step 1: Download the in4MSME App on Google Play for Android or App store for iOS. Step 2: Install the mobile app. Via the homepage click on the profile tab to register your listing. Step 3: Click on sign up. Enter your name, email address and password; and submit. Step 4: Next, click on add listing. A listing allows your service/product to be displayed. Step 5: Enter the primary details, business details, operating hours, social media handles and upload a logo. Describe your services in the description of your listing. Step 6: Click Save & Preview. An overview of the listing will be previewed. Click submit. You will receive a confirmation email that your listing has been submitted for approval. Step 7: It takes up to 10 working days to approve your listing. Once approved, you may share the listing to different social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram etc. Step 8: The listing will be displayed via the homepage latest listings and can be searched via the search tab by users. Step 9: Rate the app. For any inquiries, please contact msmes@nipdb.com
How many businesses can I register on the app?

You can register as many businesses as you want.
Who is allowed to register on the app?

Registration is limited to Namibian MSMEs.
Can non-Namibian MSMEs register?

No, the app is strictly for Namibian-owned (minimum 51%) MSMEs.
Can business support organisations register?

Business support organisations are not required to register, but may still use the app to identify other BSOs for partnerships and MSMEs for targeted support.
Does the app require internet access?

Yes, internet access and a smartphone is required to use the app.
How do I apply for funding for my business from the NIPDB?

The NIPDB does not directly fund or finance MSMEs with loans, grants or financial incentives. Contact your trusted financial institution such as a commercial bank; bodies such as the National Youth Council; or development partners such as GIZ or US Aid for MSME funding opportunities.
What are alternative funding options to debt financing (loans)?

Angel investors, venture capital firms, government grants and sponsorships.
How can I obtain funding without collateral?

You can obtain funding from the Credit Guarantee Scheme incorporated by the Bank of Namibia. Kindly visit the links: 1. FNB 2. Standard Bank 3. Bank Windhoek 4. Nedbank 5. Development Bank of Namibia For other SME financiers for funding: Business Fund Solutions Bellatrix SME Finance
Are there any other platforms to acquire finance?

Yes. MSMEs can use the Chelete Cage to pitch investment-ready business concepts to raise capital from fund providers. Pitching startups and MSMEs are selected from the Know2Grow High Potential Pool.
Does the Financial Symposiums offer funding for MSMEs?

No, the objective of the Financial Symposium is to identify and address specific challenges in meeting funding requirements for the MSMEs at their various business stages.
Does the NIPDB sponsor Namibian creatives/businesses with event stalls or materials?

The NIPDB does not sponsor MSMEs with stalls or materials for events.
Does the NIPDB source sponsorships from commercial banks or 'investors' (financiers) for MSMEs?

Yes, the NIPDB has strategic partnerships with various financial institutions, including Nedbank and the Development Bank of Namibia.
Who are the potential funders of my project?

Funding is determined by project type. Kindly refer to the business support organisations list on the app.
Does the NIPDB support startups?

Yes. The NIPDB coordinates with their startup ecosystem to provide targeted support.
Does the NIPDB have an incubation programme?

No. We do, however, have partnerships with incubation enablers in our ecosystem. Kindly contact [contact info or link]
Does the NIPDB have an ideation programme?

No. We do, however, have partnerships with ideation enablers in our ecosystem. Kindly contact [contact info or link]
What does the MSME Business Advisory Service Unit do?

The Business Advisory Services (BAS) Unit assists entrepreneurs and MSMEs with useful business support services to start, build and grow their businesses.
What does the MSME Market Access and Export Promotion Unit do?

The Market Access and Export Promotion (MAP) Unit assists MSMEs in breaking into new markets, securing shelf space and expanding their business operations locally and globally.
What does the Ecosystem Optimisation Unit do?

The Ecosystem Optimisation (EO) Unit empowers MSMEs to reach their maximum potential through streamlined ecosystem data collection, analysis and presentation—effectively overcoming policy and funding constraints—while additionally fostering stronger relationships and coordination between MSME ecosystem enablers.
What does the Startup and Scale Unit do?

The Startup and Scale (SAS) Unit offers strategic facilitation to cultivate synergy amongst stakeholders within the Namibian startup ecosystem to support the launch of innovative ideas to grow into investor-ready business ventures, and pave the way for investment opportunities.
Does NIPDB charge for its consultancy services?

No. The NIPDB is a non-profit organisation and therefore provides free consultancy services to the public. The Business Support Hub provides one-on-one consultations to support MSMEs to ensure there is an understanding on key focus areas such as legal and compliance, marketing, and financial planning; as well as offering overall business improvement guidance to MSMEs.
How can I place my products within the shelf of retail outlets?

The Retail Space Matchmaking initiative provides MSMEs an opportunity to position their products for retail shelf space. The core focus offers product development support for retail readiness to existing businesses with product/service on the market.
What is the NIPDB MSME Yellow Pages?

The NIPDB Yellow Pages is a centralised database for registered and growth-ready micro, small, and medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
How do I get listed/registered on NIPDB's MSME Yellow Pages

To register for the NIPDB's Yellow Pages, please complete the following assessment here.
What support does NIPDB offer women-owned MSMEs?

The NIPDB partners with various institutions to specifically support female entrepreneurs.
What support is available for technology adoption within MSMEs?

The NIPDB partners with various institutions to promote digital enhancement in businesses
How does NIPDB support MSMEs to access export opportunities?

Eligible MSMEs can apply for the High Potential Pool to receive access to export opportunities.
Are there specific sectors targeted for MSME development?

All sectors are supported, however the NIPDB has prioritised the following sectors and industries: renewable energy; fintech; chemicals and basic materials; food; transport and logistics; tourism; exploration (mining, oil and gas); metals, mining and adjacent industries; digital and global business services.