FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • What is the process to become a partner? 

    Start here to complete the online application. You will receive an auto response to confirm that your application has been submitted. When an MFI meets our basic criteria (growth, country, and needs) we schedule calls with the management and request documents within 2 weeks. Our due diligence process involves phone interviews with management, industry research, reference checks, business plan and financial analysis, and an on-site visit. Following due diligence, partnership recommendations are approved by the Selection Committee. The process typically takes 3 months to complete from the time of application. 

 

  • If I don’t meet the criteria, should I apply anyway?

    We encourage all MFIs to apply who might be interested in partnership. The online application form is brief (we estimate it takes 20 minutes to complete on average) and is the best way to find out if you qualify for consideration.

    We are currently looking for new MFI partners in Asia (Vietnam, Indonesia, Pakistan, China, and Sri Lanka) and Africa (East and West Africa). By applying online you can sign up for our Selection Alerts email that will update you on developments in our country strategy.

 

  • What sort of capital and/or advisory services can I expect to receive from a Unitus partnership?

    First, Unitus works closely with its partners to ensure that they are well-prepared for capital raising activities.  This "investment preparedness" process includes assistance in creating or revising business and operational plans, financial models, and investor presentations.  Once that process is complete, Unitus is then able to help with capital raising in two ways.  In some cases, Unitus is able to provide loan or guarantee facilities to its partners to fund loan portfolio expansion and/or improved business infrastructure.  Unitus is also able to make introductions to a strategic affiliate, Unitus Capital.  Launched in July 2008, Unitus Capital is a financial advisory firm specializing in arranging capital for microfinance institutions (MFIs) and social enterprises which serve customers at the bottom of the economic pyramid.  Unitus Capital provides a range of financial advisory and consulting services including debt and equity arranging and capital structuring services.  For more information on specific services, contact your Unitus relationship manager.

 

  • Does Unitus make equity investments in its partner MFIs? 

    Unitus is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization committed to helping fulfill the capital needs of its partner MFIs. We provide capital market services to our partners to help arrange debt and equity from commercial third parties (see above FAQ)—this is one of the ways we can help support the growth of your MFI. As a nonprofit, Unitus does not make equity investments in its MFI partners and there is no prerequisite to accept an equity investment.

    If an MFI is looking for equity, we may work with the MFI to identify and negotiate with appropriate investors. If appropriate, we will introduce the opportunity to the Unitus Equity Fund L.P. (UEF), but it should be noted that the UEF is an independent entity, and has no binding requirement to invest in Unitus MFI partners.

 

  • Who is part of the Unitus network, and why is it valuable?

    At the current time, Unitus partners are the exclusive members of the Unitus network. Members of the Unitus network gain access to other MFIs in the Unitus network through formal events, informal partner exchanges, a quarterly newsletter, and an online knowledge exchange tool.
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