Field Partners

1. Does the Field Partner charge interest to the young entrepreneur on the loan?
2. What is a Field Partner?
3. Which countries does UYDO currently work in?
4. Why does UYDO go through a Field Partner?

UYDO lets each Field Partner work in a way that works best for them and the young entrepreneurs. So, while some Field Partners may charge interest, others might not. What UYDO ensures is that whatever the Field Partner does, it’s what we believe is the best for the young entrepreneurs involved.

A Field Partner is a microfinance institution on the ground that distributes the loans and manages the repayment. They also provide business training and mentoring for the entrepreneurs. To find out more about our Field Partners, go here.

We are currently working with our Field Partner, Kenya Youth Business Trust (KYBT), based in Nairobi; meaning that only young entrepreneurs based in Kenya are eligible for our loans at this time. However, as UYDO grows, we aim to create partnerships in other developing countries to reach as many young entrepreneurs as possible.

Field Partners know their community and have the experience and the means to distribute and manage loans. We want to add value to the work they are already doing and incentivise them to work with young entrepreneurs through the funds our members raise and our research. We let each Field Partner work within the framework that works best for them. We assess our Field Partners to make sure that we work with partners who don’t charge excess interest and who are sustainable.