BVI News

Unite BVI offering zero-interest loans to businesses and start-ups

Residents of the British Virgin Islands can now apply for loans with no interest, no down payment, or collateral from the Unite BVI Foundation — an entrepreneurial foundation funded by the Virgin Group and the family of British billionaire, Sir Richard Branson.

Persons will be able to get loans of up to $5,000 under the organisation’s ‘Kickstart Loan’ category and up to $25,000 under their ‘Impact Loans’ programme.

Commenting on the initiative via a media release on Wednesday, September 9, Manager of the Unite BVI Foundation Kim Takeuchi said the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has escalated the need to inspire and empower local entrepreneurship in the face of the increased economic challenges being experienced locally.

“Small island nations such as the BVI must find a way to create new jobs in emerging markets so as to diversify their economies, making them less reliant on vulnerable industries,” she stated.

The media release said the deadline to apply is October 19.

Loan is to expand existing businesses

The release said the loan is to expand existing businesses or to start a business that would have a positive impact on the environment or on the community.

It continued: “The KickStart BVI loan programme was created to ease the burden of access to financial and business training and development resources, aiming to empower and support local entrepreneurs.”

Notably, persons must complete an initial assessment online. The deadline for that assessment is September 23 and those meeting the requirements would then be required to submit a business plan and a financial questionnaire.

The release said funding is restricted to support social impact enterprises that directly address either an environmental or societal challenge facing the BVI with a business-based, sustainable solution.

Another loan available 

In the meantime, the foundation its other Impact Loan Programme is intended to give social entrepreneurs a step-up through “financial empowerment and … high-level capacity-building and mentorship support”.

Takeuchi said this loan aims to catalyze social enterprises that will have a lasting positive impact in the BVI by directly addressing challenges facing local communities and/or the environment with sustainable, business-based solutions.

Persons who receive this loan type will have three to five years to repay.

To qualify, applicants must be 18 years or older, hold a valid BVI trade license, have limited access to financing, and demonstrate a viable business plan complete with financial planning, etcetera.

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15 Comments

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  1. Doing more than the Govt says:

    Good job! Good initiative.

    Doing more for the community than Foi and friends.

    Like 9
    Dislike 3
  2. well sah says:

    STRANGE HOW THE FOUNDER IS TRYING TO GET A LOAN FROM GOVERNMENTS OF THE WORLD TO KEEP HIS BUSINESSES AFLOAT

    Like 12
    Dislike 2
  3. SB says:

    For … taking pics with Jeffrey Epstein you need to offer more money than that to HELP WASH AWAY YOUR SINS AND F****.

    Like 1
    Dislike 3
  4. PC says:

    Well done Unite and SRB!

    I wish more people were prepared to help the BVI community like this.

    Like 3
    Dislike 1
  5. Hmm says:

    Why some of these comments are so small while others are largeer in size?

  6. 2cents says:

    You still need business to repay a zero interest loan.

    Like 2
    Dislike 1
  7. Lol says:

    Thank you Sir Branson….. i have noticed the trend of you stepping in to pick up the bvi government’s slack time and time againñ. The latest fail was the small business grant through trade department. Since they dropped the ball, as expected, our saviour Mr Branson saves the day. People can say what they want….. you are a true hero.

    Like 4
    Dislike 2
  8. Local girl says:

    Yeah right, you are as dumb as a rock, small island small mind

    Like 2
    Dislike 1
  9. Wendy JVD says:

    How long is this loan offer being offered as the BVI will not be in ‘real business, tourist wise, for at least another year?

  10. Unite BVI says:

    To learn more about how Unite BVI support entrepreneurs here’s the link to the specific page on their website:

    https://www.unitebvi.com/our-work/supporting-entrepreneurs

    For guidance on the application process:

    https://www.unitebvi.com/2020-application-process-kickstart-loans

    For a direct link to the Initial Assessment Form (first step in the application process): https://forms.gle/yxZrmF1ffW6wHtfH8

  11. ICU says:

    this is an obvious trap

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