Methodology
How the FRICS score is built.
FRICS is a weighted, evidence-aware scoring framework. It converts qualitative SME information into a quantitative readiness signal.
The seven pillars
Each pillar is scored 0–100, then weighted. The sum is the base FRICS readiness score.
Financial Health & Record-Keeping
25%The strongest predictor of repayment capacity. Funders need reliable books, cash-flow visibility and working capital discipline.
- Audited or management accounts
- Cash-flow tracking
- Debt-service coverage
- Working capital cycle
Governance & Compliance
20%Corporate structure, board oversight and statutory filings show whether a business can absorb and steward external capital.
- CAC/RC registration
- Board composition
- Tax compliance history
- Shareholder agreements
Operations & Systems Maturity
15%Process maturity reduces execution risk and shows the business can scale without the founder in every decision.
- ERP/accounting software
- Inventory controls
- Quality systems
- Documented SOPs
Market & Growth Capacity
15%Revenue growth, market position and customer concentration determine whether capital will generate returns.
- Revenue growth trend
- Customer diversification
- Contracted revenue
- Market share
Funding Behaviour & Credit History
15%Past behaviour is the best indicator of future behaviour. Repayment, default and restructuring history feed the FRICS+ score.
- Repayment track record
- Default history
- Restructuring events
- Open obligations
Impact, ESG & Inclusion
10%Many African financiers and DFIs screen for job creation, gender inclusion, climate impact and community benefit.
- Jobs supported
- Women/youth in leadership
- Environmental practices
- Community impact
Data Transparency & Verification
5%Willingness to share and verify documents builds trust with funders and reduces due-diligence friction.
- Submitted tax/audit evidence
- Bank statements
- Insurance certificates
- Ownership proof
Score bands
Bands translate the numeric score into a decision signal for SMEs, advisors and funders.
80–100
Investment-Ready
Ready for institutional capital. GLI CAPITAL begins active matching.
60–79
Near-Ready
Close. A targeted 30-day intervention crosses the threshold.
40–59
Emerging
Promising business with structural gaps. GLI CONSULTS can fix them.
0–39
Advisory First
Start with formalization, records, and compliance first.
FRICS+ dynamic score
The base readiness score is a point-in-time assessment. FRICS+ adds ongoing behaviour and verification signals to reflect how the SME is performing after the assessment.
Base readiness
The weighted FRICS score from the assessment.
Obligation adjustment
Repaid facilities add points; defaults and restructurings subtract points, weighted by exposure.
Verification bonus
Approved tax, audit, insurance or certification evidence adds a fixed bonus.
Take the assessment
See your FRICS score, band and action plan in about ten minutes.