Small Enterprise Assistance Funds (SEAF)

Small Enterprise Assistance Funds ("SEAF") is a global investment firm focused on providing growth capital and operational support to businesses in emerging markets and those underserved by traditional sources of capital. SEAF selectively makes structured debt and equity investments in locally owned enterprises with high growth potential.

Based in Washington D.C., SEAF invests in more than 25 countries around the world through an international network of 19 offices in Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Investors include a cross section of public and private institutions, including virtually all of the international finance institutions, a number of local pension funds, insurance companies, banks and family offices.

Since its inception in 1989, SEAF’s successful development as a global organization stems from realizing attractive returns for our investors and building value in our portfolio companies. Central to SEAF’s ability to source opportunities and work with management is our on-the-ground presence in the economic regions of focus and a culture of respect for the entrepreneurs in which SEAF invests. As a global organization with a local presence, SEAF is uniquely able to provide management with hands-on operational support and provide businesses in emerging economies with the international “connections” that accelerate their growth and profitability.

SEAF’s global investment teams pride themselves on being solutions-oriented business people who work with our local partners to achieve solid economic growth, with equally solid returns for our investors.

SEAF has enjoyed considerable success in investing in, accelerating the realization of additional value, and achieving an exit, especially remarkable in smaller and less liquid emerging markets. At the same time, it is acutely aware of the need to be conscious of the development impact of its investment activity/  SEAF’s overall track record is summarized in the tables below.


Proven Strategy for SME Financing

• Targeting sectors and identifying companies for maximum value creation and scalability;
• Adapt due diligence and financing structures to fit local needs and patterns of doing business;
• Close working relationship with clients pre-and post disbursement to manage risk;
• Financing plus value addition to maximize clients’ business performance
• Emphasis on connecting the local enterprises with relevant know how and markets

How SEAF Adds Value

SEAF believes that the simple provision of capital to SMEs operating in previously non-commercial and difficult environments is usually insufficient.  In many cases, the management of these enterprises needs training and assistance as much as the business needs capital.  Through SEAF’s Post Investment Assistance, the emphasis placed on exiting is tempered by the benefits of the partnership with SEAF during the investment period.  The entrepreneur can appreciate that, with SEAF’s help, his or her business will grow more rapidly, thereby ultimately benefiting the owner, SEAF, and SEAF’s investors.

Investment support can be provided by the Washington DC and Netherlands based Business Development Units, local investment officers in other countries of operation, and outside specialists.


Related Links:
Mission and Objectives
Fund Manager and Partners
Management and Board of Directors
About Afghan Growth Finance (AGF)