The success of an entrepreneur is everyone’s success. It cannot be overemphasized that small business owners are the lifeblood of the global economy. According to this piece by the World Bank, 90% of all businesses across the world are SMEs and employ over 50% of the global workforce. Formal SMEs contribute about 40% of the GDP in emerging economies and these numbers are significantly higher when informal SMEs are included. 

These are some of the reasons we need to support small businesses to succeed because their success is valuable to the global economy. 

In this article, I will be sharing some ways Flutterwave is helping businesses succeed. Flutterwave is Africa’s top payments company with different technological solutions empowering businesses across the world to receive payments, sell, grow and ultimately, achieve endless possibilities. 

1. Receiving Payments Through Flutterwave

For over 7 years, Flutterwave has been at the forefront of helping businesses receive payments from their customers across the globe. With an infrastructure reach in 34 African countries processing over 400 million transactions worth over $25 Billion and over 1 Million customers served; Flutterwave has continued to help businesses receive payments seamlessly. 

Currently, businesses can receive payments in multiple currencies on Flutterwave using different solutions like payment links, invoices, API integration, Flutterwave Store and more. Getting paid is easier on Flutterwave through different methods like credit/debit cards, mobile money, USSD, bank transfers, QR code, google pay, apple pay and more. We’ve simplified payments to the point where your customers do not require your account number, at the click of a link, you can get paid easily. 

In this article, we explained in detail how businesses can receive payments through Flutterwave. 

2. Flutterwave Capital 

Since we know that SMEs matter a lot to the global economy, a major obstacle they face is access to finance. According to this paper by the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) estimates that 65 million firms, or 40% of formal micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in developing countries, have an unmet financing need of $5.2 trillion every year.

This is where Flutterwave Capital comes in. With Flutterwave Capital,  businesses can easily access loans without collateral, cumbersome documentation and other stringent terms and conditions. Getting loans from Flutterwave Capital is fast, and eligible applicants can access the funds instantly. With Flutterwave Capital, we’re making it easier for business owners to access the funds they require to grow their businesses. With these funds, business owners can expand, increase inventory, hire more labour, pay bills, run marketing campaigns, and ultimately grow revenue. 

You can learn more about Flutterwave Capital here. 

3. Flutterwave Store

The Flutterwave Store is the best and easiest way to launch and manage an e-commerce business that accepts payments from anywhere in the world without creating a website or knowing how to code. 

When the pandemic struck in 2020 and shop owners had to close their physical stores because of the lockdown most countries put in place as a safety precaution, we thought of a way to help these business owners continue their business while on lockdown and this birthed our #KeepTheLightsOn campaign. 

We created an online store where you can upload your products, add product images, description, set prices, set product variations and go online. The Store is 100% free, you don’t need to pay anything, you only need to sign up here. You can also use our shipping partners to deliver your products to customers. Now, Flutterwave Store owners only need to send their Store links to their customers for them to buy from you. We have people sharing their stories about how the Store helped them remain in business and also grow. 

You can learn more about the Flutterwave Store here.

We have shared some ways Flutterwave is helping businesses succeed, we’ll keep at it and continue to innovate to find better ways to empower businesses to succeed. To enjoy these solutions, you need a Flutterwave account, create one here.