BPN

Promoting small businesses.

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Introduction
Highlights
Nicaragua
Georgia
Rwanda
Mongolia
Kyrgyzstan
Uganda

2025 Annual Report

Continuity and a New Beginning

We, Martin Wipfli and Markus Kramer, are writing this foreword together. The baton is being passed on, but the race remains the same.
Markus took over as chair at the beginning of 2026. He has been on the Foundation Board for six and a half years, while Martin served BPN for twenty years. The fact that Willi Helbling has also been responsible for operational management as CEO for the past eleven years underscores what sets BPN apart: continuity is no coincidence.
The world around us is changing rapidly. Geopolitical tensions and increasingly challenging conditions present us with new challenges. In Georgia, we are ending our engagement because the political environment no longer allows us to carry out our work effectively. This was not an easy decision, but it was a business-minded one. As a foundation, we must allocate our resources where they will have a long-term impact.
At the same time, there is much to be proud of. Uganda is “live.” Markus was on the ground and felt the energy: a new office in Kampala, the first seminars, and the first entrepreneurs in the program. Pioneering, just as BPN always has been. In Rwanda, we celebrated the program graduation of an entire cohort: people who persevered, learned, and created numerous jobs. In Kyrgyzstan, the entrepreneur trips gave rise to mutual learning initiatives. In Nicaragua, we continue to stand by our entrepreneurs despite all adversities.

As an organization, we ask ourselves the same questions we ask our entrepreneurs: Where do we allocate our resources? How can we become more efficient? In an increasingly challenging fundraising environment, this isn’t an option—it’s a necessity. That, too, is entrepreneurship.
Martin is stepping down with gratitude and the conviction that BPN is in good hands. Markus takes over with the same passion and determination to lead BPN into its next phase. And we both know: BPN has never been the work of a single person. It is the people who sustain this foundation.
Thank you for being a part of it.
Warm regards,
Markus Kramer, Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Martin Wipfli, Predecessor and Pioneer

Shaping Change with Confidence

I’d like to let my thoughts flow freely, starting with a quote that is very dear to me: “Small deeds done are better than great deeds planned.” – George C. Marshall

The handoff of the baton on the BPN Foundation’s Executive Board symbolizes both continuity and change. The year 2025 presented significant challenges for our teams: geopolitical tensions, the withdrawal from Georgia, and the expansion in Uganda demanded clarity and resilience. Our work strengthens local economic cycles—entrepreneurs create jobs and opportunities. It fills me with great joy to help drive this impact forward together. However, this can only succeed because we are wonderfully surrounded by people like you, who have stood by us for decades—not only with your support but also with your financial contributions. This bond carries us through our often turbulent daily lives, gives us the courage to keep going, and ensures we do not let circumstances dictate our course.

Thank you so much for joining us on this journey—it’s only because of you that we’re able to make this happen.

Sincerely,
Willi Helbling, CEO

Global Highlights 2025

Jobs Supported by BPN in 2025
3166

A Successful Start in Uganda!

Since early 2025, the BPN Foundation has been active in yet another country: Uganda! With this, we are expanding our mission to empower entrepreneurs to yet another country. In this post, we provide an initial update on our promising start in Uganda.

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Effect made visible

The new Impact Report 2022–2024 shows the concrete results of business support: increased revenue, new jobs, and stable companies. An overview of figures, trends, and testimonials from five countries.

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Development of new BPN seminars

Our range of seminars is constantly expanding to provide companies with the best possible support. In 2025, a total of 23 new seminars and webinars were developed. Find out which topics are in particularly high demand in which countries...

> read more

You can find more highlights in our review of the year

> 2025 Year in Review

Facts & Figures - BPN at a glance

Since program start

In the year

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Supported companies

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Subsidized jobs

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Seminars and workshops

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Nicaragua

Subsidized Jobs in Nicaragua by 2025
275
Dalia

How BPN helped Dalia's business grow 300%

A vision became a flourishing company in Nicaragua: Dalia used BPN support to professionalize its production, develop digital strategies and open up new markets. Today, it stands for modern entrepreneurship with a social impact.

Highlights of 2025

Back Out of Conviction

Two former coaches expressed interest in rejoining BPN. This illustrates that the meaningful work environment at BPN fosters a sense of satisfaction that is hard to find elsewhere. While one person rejoined in May 2025, the second person rejoined in March 2026.

New BPN office in Managua

By moving to a more functional location, BPN Nicaragua is creating more space for coaching, seminars, and gatherings. A pragmatic step with a real impact—and a strong statement of quality!

More Coaching Sessions Despite Changes

Despite changes in the BPN coaching staff, the number of coaching sessions increased, once again breaking the record set in 2024.

Georgia

Davit

Closure of the BPN Office in Georgia

After ten successful years, BPN will gradually wind down its operations in Georgia over the course of 2026. Since its inception, the program has supported 110 companies, reached approximately 3,000 people through seminars and workshops, and created or secured more than 1,800 jobs. These figures reflect entrepreneurial courage, personal growth, and sustainable local development. Even as our program comes to an end, much will remain: knowledge, strengthened skills, entrepreneurial networks, and the values that BPN has instilled over the years. It is particularly encouraging that the entrepreneurs who participated in the program will business owners' association continue to run the business owners' association , thereby keeping BPN’s impact in Georgia alive. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the entrepreneurs, staff members, partners, and supporters who made this commitment possible and helped carry it forward.
Subsidized Jobs in Georgia in 2025
28

Highlights of 2025

business owners' association Swiss Exchange Day

Swiss Exchange Day, a joint event organized with Swisscontact, the Swiss Embassy, and business owners' association , was a highlight of the first half of 2025. At this event, BPN had the opportunity to share its expertise in coaching and business advisory services with an enthusiastic audience.

Partnership with Bank of Georgia

Thanks to its partnership with the Bank of Georgia, BPN Georgia was able to secure a prominent venue for seminars for small business owners.

Seminar on “Crafts as a Successful Business”

Philipp Kuntze, an expert in the skilled trades, inspired a large number of entrepreneurs during two evening seminars and the subsequent coaching and consulting sessions.

Rwanda

Subsidized Jobs in Rwanda by 2025
884
Yannick

From start-up to international IT company - Yannick's success with BPN

From 10 to 30 employees, from Kigali to the Netherlands: Yannick shows how strategic support and networks can lead companies in Africa to international success.

Highlights of 2025

Launch of the “Women Only” Cohort

Through its new “Impala (Gazelle)” funding initiative, BPN Rwanda provides targeted support to young female entrepreneurs with marketable products whose growth is hindered by social barriers. The goal is to overcome these barriers and accelerate the growth of women-led businesses.

Graduation Ceremony for the 2021 and 2022 Entrepreneur Cohorts

The program’s successful completion was celebrated with a formal ceremony. Awards in categories such as “Highest Job Creator,” “Highest Market Expansion,” and “Highest Program Attendance” highlighted the program’s measurable impact and, at the same time, helped attract new entrepreneurs.

Rwandan entrepreneurs on a study trip to Switzerland

We had the pleasure of welcoming a Rwandan delegation here in Switzerland: 20 business ownersbusiness owners' association thebusiness owners' association Rwanda traveled through various regions of Switzerland as part of an inspiring study tour. The goal was to learn about successful Swiss SMEs, gain new perspectives, and promote international exchange.

Mongolia

Bayartsetseg

Growing your business instead of just surviving: A systematic approach to a successful sewing business in Mongolia

Bayartsetseg started out with a rented sewing machine, and today she runs a growing business with clear structures and goals. Insights into entrepreneurial learning, on-site coaching, and measurable impact with BPN.
Subsidized Jobs in Mongolia in 2025
567

Highlights of 2025

Meeting of business owners' association at "Duuren Food" GmbH

Twenty-two entrepreneurs took the opportunity to get an up-close look at a business—gaining insights into production processes, business operations, and entrepreneurial practices. Their interactions led to valuable discussions, new perspectives, and initial ideas for potential collaborations. As a result, the event turned into a productive gathering that provided tangible value for all participants.

Premiere in Ulaanbaatar: BPN organizes fundraising seminar for local NGOs

For the first time, BPN offered a fundraising seminar for local NGOs—and the response was overwhelming. Forty-seven participants took advantage of the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and network. A look back at a special event full of dedication and inspiration.

Entrepreneurship Brings People Together: An Inspiring Learning Journey Through Switzerland with Mongolian Entrepreneurs

14 entrepreneurs from Mongolia spent a week immersed in the practice of successful Swiss companies - from family businesses to industrial companies. A program full of entrepreneurial insights, lively dialogues and concrete impulses to strengthen entrepreneurship in international exchange.

Kyrgyzstan

Subsidized Jobs in Kyrgyzstan in 2025
1331
Guldjamal

850 students, 200 employees - education as entrepreneurship with impact

What began with neighborhood children is now an education company in Kyrgyzstan with 850 students, 200 employees and 3 locations. Entrepreneur Guldjamal explains how BPN made decisive development steps possible with know-how and targeted support - and why lifelong learning is the key. An inspiring insight into entrepreneurial commitment with a social impact.

Highlights of 2025

ADISTER Project (Specialist)

Despite the project's short duration, ADISTER 2025 was successfully launched and has already connected the first students with member companies, thereby strengthening the bridge between education and the labor market in Kyrgyzstan.

Organizational Development at BPN Kyrgyzstan

Despite growth and personnel changes, BPN Kyrgyzstan was able to streamline its internal processes in 2025, further develop its coaching services in a targeted manner, and strengthen its reach and recognition within the Kyrgyz business and development community through new networking and seminar formats.

Where values and impact meet - insights into a special entrepreneurial journey

A study tour can be many things: professional development, networking, broadening one’s horizons. For eleven entrepreneurs from Kyrgyzstan, however, the trip to Switzerland in August 2025 was much more than that—it became a true turning point.

Uganda

A Successful Start in Uganda

BPN Uganda is gaining significant momentum: The first entrepreneurs are working enthusiastically on their business plans, while at the same time key foundations—such as seminars, coaching sessions, a website, registration, and local structures—are being established. With Daniel Matter as Country Director and Yoël Werner on the ground, a new BPN country is taking shape step by step. This is an encouraging new beginning with great potential for entrepreneurship, opportunities, and economic development in Uganda.
Subsidized Jobs in Uganda by 2025
81

Highlights of 2025

The first BPN program participants on board

Melissa L. runs a pastry shop that specializes in custom-designed cakes for birthdays and family celebrations. As one of the first female entrepreneurs in the BPN program in Uganda, she marks an important milestone for our launch there. We look forward to supporting Melissa on her entrepreneurial journey over the next two years with hands-on training and personalized guidance.

First Ties Forged—The Business Network in Uganda Is Growing

To wrap up the year, BPN Uganda brought together more than 30 participants for an inspiring networking event featuring a panel discussion. The event provided an effective platform for exchange, networking, and greater visibility for our work on the ground.

Customized seminar content for maximum impact

Adapting our seminar materials to the Ugandan context is a Herculean task that is expected to keep us busy until the end of 2026. In addition to translating the text, we must also adapt the content from an instructional perspective and tailor it specifically to the target audience using local examples.

The annual financial statements will follow.

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Kyrgyzstan / Bishkek

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Kyrgyzstan / Tokmok

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