The Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) partnered with Eos Cares to host a private equity bootcamp, equipping local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with financial knowledge to support their growth.
Held as part of DBN’s National Mentorship and Coaching Programme (NMCP), the bootcamp gathered SME owners and managers from various sectors, including manufacturing, retail, services and technology.
The event addressed key misconceptions about private equity, emphasising its potential to drive business expansion while acknowledging the risks of relinquishing ownership.
“It was interesting to observe signs of reservation towards equity transactions during the discussions, reflecting a natural caution among some participants about the risks associated with relinquishing ownership in exchange for growth capital,” a joint release by the companies said.
The release further said that during the bootcamp, experts from Eos Capital conducted interactive sessions such as “What is Equity?” and “Who Should Be Interested in Equity?”
These discussions clarified that while equity financing is a powerful tool for high-growth enterprises, it may not suit every business model.
The sessions combined theoretical insights with practical case studies, encouraging active participation and fostering a deeper understanding of equity financing.
“Interactive discussions and case studies formed the backbone of the bootcamp, illustrating the practical applications of these financial concepts. This approach allowed participants to engage actively, ask questions, and consider how the knowledge could shape their own approach to growth capital,” the two companies said.
The NMCP, a DBN initiative, focuses on providing SMEs with practical business management skills to strengthen their role in Namibia’s economy.
This aligns with the mission of Eos Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of Eos Capital, to enhance financial literacy and business acumen in Namibia.
“By demystifying equity and presenting it as an accessible tool, the bootcamp helped reduce scepticism surrounding equity amongst attendees while fostering a deeper, more informed understanding among Namibian SMEs,” they said.
