Balloon Ventures

Balloon Ventures Uganda bridges the gap for small businesses that are too large for microfinance but lack access to bank credit. This loan will finance up to 15 rural women-led SMEs, each receiving an average loan of USD 15,000. These entrepreneurs operate in various sectors, including education, healthcare, agribusiness, retail, and hospitality, often facing challenges such as limited collateral, formal records, or credit history. Remarkably, 50% of borrowers through Balloon access formal credit for the first time. All these borrowers are based in second-tier towns or surrounding rural areas where financial services are scarce.

Each loan is closely tied to job creation and formalization. The portfolio companies report an average annual revenue growth of 15% and have created +6,000 formal “good jobs.” Notably, 42% of these jobs are held by women, while 78% are held by youth. Balloon provides capital paired with six months of hands-on advisory support, delivering a total of +28,000 hours of business support. This support focuses on strengthening management, improving cash flow discipline, and establishing effective HR policies and systems.

This facility enables Balloon to reach smaller, higher-risk women-owned SMEs that traditional lenders often overlook. By doing so, Balloon expands first-time credit access while simultaneously formalizing jobs in rural Uganda.