JAB-CHOR

Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan (RMA) in partnership with the Bhutan Chamber of
Commerce & Industry (BCCI) and along with Thimphu TechPark Ltd, Ministry of Economic
Affairs and Royal Securities Exchange of Bhutan initiated JAB-CHOR in 2018 creating a
remarkable platform for creative entrepreneurs especially startups who finds challenges in
financing their businesses regardless of having an incredible business ideas. “JAB-CHOR an
alternative formal source of financing is an initiative for creating a platform to bring together
young entrepreneurs and angel investors.” (Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan, 2018). It is an
initiative that is inspired by the idea of Angel Investors in which interested individuals and
groups provide valuable advice and financial support based on trust and confidence that enables
the entrepreneurs to raise sufficient capital for their business and develop into a successful
venture. It is one of the initiatives that supplement the Priority Sector Lending (PSL) in
promoting Cottage Small Industries.

The main purpose of Jabchor is to identify young and potential entrepreneurs with small scale
businesses to lead them to the next level. Jabchor is a platform that provides fundamental
business information and connects the entrepreneurs to potential business investors. They intend
to offer access to greater and prominent network opportunities (Bhutan Chamber of Commerce
& Industry, n.d).

Since new entrepreneurs face difficulties to try and create 30% equity, Jabchor provides 100
percent loan to those primary production related projects that is exclusively upheld by insurance
under PSL whereas for other projects they provides 70 percent loan to 30 percent equity ratio.
(Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan, 2018). These are the fund recipient of Jabchor season 1
namely Cheychey Sanitary pads, Green Path, housing.bt, Eco-Waste Solution and Freelance
Bhutan.

For an entrepreneur to get the financial assistance from Jabchor, certain criteria need to be
fulfilled:

1. They must have a product or service in the market with business operation for minimum
of 1 year.
2. They must possess a valid trade license or any equivalent proof of legal operation.
3. They must hold a Bhutanese citizenship.
4. Any interested individual or group irrespective of age, gender, geographical location and
type of business are eligible to apply for Jabchor. (Bhutan Chamber of Commerce &
Industry, 2020)