No confusing contracts. No hidden steps. Here is exactly what happens when you apply to partner with RetailCore.
Start by completing the partnership application form on our Apply page. We ask for basic information about yourself, your business, and where it is located. The form takes about 5 minutes to complete.
Our team reviews your application within 48 hours. We check your location, business type, and whether the business matches our current investment areas. If your application looks promising, we contact you to schedule a visit.
A RetailCore representative visits your business in person. We walk through your shop or tavern, speak to you about your operations, your current challenges, and your goals. We assess stock levels, equipment, location, and customer traffic.
This visit is free and there is no obligation to proceed. It is simply our way of understanding your business properly before making any commitment.
If we agree to partner, we draw up a formal partnership agreement. The terms are clear: RetailCore takes 15% equity in the business. You retain 85% ownership. The agreement specifies exactly what we will invest — the cash amount, equipment list, and stock supply terms.
You have time to read, question, and understand the agreement before signing. We encourage you to take the document to a trusted person before committing.
Once the agreement is signed, we move quickly. Cash is transferred. Equipment is delivered and installed. Stock supply is set up. POS systems are configured and your staff are trained to use them.
After investment, RetailCore handles your financial management — bookkeeping, cash flow reporting, and business performance tracking. You run the business. We provide the systems, the stock, and the financial oversight. Monthly reports show you exactly how the business is performing and how the investment is working.
We assess every application individually, but these are the baseline criteria for both business types.
No. RetailCore's investment is not a loan. You do not repay any amount. We take a 15% equity stake in your business instead of charging interest or loan repayments. There is no debt.
No. You retain 85% ownership and full operational control. RetailCore holds a 15% minority stake. You make the day-to-day decisions. We provide support, systems, and resources — not orders.
We assess each business individually. A struggling business is not automatically disqualified — in fact, many of the businesses we invest in are struggling precisely because of the problems we solve (lack of capital, bad stock management, no financial oversight). What matters most is that the business has genuine potential and a committed owner.
Investment amounts vary depending on the size and needs of your business. This is discussed and agreed during the assessment visit and documented in the partnership agreement. There is no fixed amount — it is tailored to what your specific business needs to grow.
Exit terms are included in the partnership agreement and discussed transparently before signing. The equity stake and exit conditions are agreed upfront so there are no surprises. We encourage you to understand these terms fully before committing.
Not necessarily at the time of applying. We can guide you through the process of formalising your business as part of the partnership. However, formalisation will be required before the partnership agreement is signed.
From application to first investment typically takes 2–4 weeks. Initial review within 48 hours, business visit within 1 week, agreement within 1–2 weeks, and investment delivered within 5–10 business days of signing.
Fill in the partnership application. It takes 5 minutes and our team will be in touch within 48 hours.
Email: info@retailcore.co.za