Hi beautiful Entrepreneur,

Let’s talk about why you’re getting rejections

In my work reviewing over 50 SME funding applications across Africa, I've noticed a pattern: it's rarely about the business potential. Most rejections come from how founders structure and manage their finances.

Let's fix that.

But First things first:

As someone who's worked with many African SME entrepreneurs, I've seen firsthand how the right structures transform businesses.

After watching talented founders unable to scale their businesses and get rejected by programs and investors simply because of fixable business structure issues, I knew something had to change.

That's when I developed our Scale&Lead Program.

Our 6-week Scale & Lead Program helps you:

• Engineer your brand for category dominance (not just market participation)

• Build systems that turn your business into a scalable powerhouse

• Join a brotherhood/sisterhood of future African market leaders

• Get exclusive access to our asset-investment platform (Beta version)

P.S: You can already start engaging with fellow SME entrepreneurs today by joining our WhatsApp Group.

Fix These 5 Financial Red Flags Before Meeting Investors

1. Personal & Business Account Separation

Common Mistake: Using one account for everything

Quick Fix:

• Open a business account this week

• List ALL business expenses

• Create a transfer schedule for your salary (→ pay yourself a salary (!!!) to avoid taking business money for personal use!)

• Document every cash withdrawal

2. Financial Record-Keeping System

Common Mistake: Missing or incomplete records

Implementation Plan:

1. Choose your tool:

   • Accounting softwares like Wave or QuickBooks

   • Excel template (Download our free template below)

   • Traditional receipt book system

2. Daily actions:

   • Record all sales immediately

   • Keep ALL receipts (create a simple filing system)

   • Log cash transactions in real-time

3. Understanding Your Unit Economics

Quick Exercise:

1. List ALL costs for one product unit:

   • Raw materials

   • Labor time

   • Electricity/utilities

   • Packaging

   • Transport

   • and any others

2. Calculate your real profit margin

3. Track customer acquisition costs

4. Monthly Financial Review Routine

Implementation Checklist:

1. Set monthly review date

2. Review all bank statements

3. Count physical inventory

4. Check accounts receivable

5. Update cash flow projection

6. Review profit margins

5. Working Capital Management System

Action Steps:

1. List all supplier payment dates

2. Create customer payment terms document

3. Calculate optimal inventory levels

4. Set up emergency fund target

Now it’s your turn to keep up with your finances. Let me know how it works!

Who knows? Your small factory could be Africa's next manufacturing success story!

Cheers

Sitan