Prohibited Businesses & Eligibility Criteria
Business categories and activities not permitted on SME4ME
Effective Date: 1st September 2025
Purpose & Scope
This Policy defines who may use the SME4ME platform, which businesses may raise funds, what types of users may invest or participate, and the categories of business activities and conduct that are prohibited or restricted. This Policy applies to all users, issuers, beneficial owners, directors and officers, and to all content and transactions on the Platform.
User (Investor) Eligibility
Age & Capacity
Must be at least 18 years old with legal capacity
KYC Verification
Complete identity verification and suitability questionnaires
Sanctions Screening
Must not be on any sanctions or watchlist
Payment Verification
Use payment methods in your own name
Issuer (SME) Eligibility
Legal Formation
Duly formed and operating lawful business
Background Checks
All directors and 10%+ owners must pass KYC/AML
Compliance
Structure and terms must comply with applicable law
Information Quality
Provide complete, accurate, non-misleading information
Prohibited Businesses (Non-Exhaustive)
SME4ME will not list or support the following categories. Any attempt to circumvent these prohibitions may result in immediate removal and account closure.
Illegal Activities
- • Illegal products or services
- • Activities facilitating illegal conduct
- • Weapons & munitions
- • Controversial weapons components
Adult Content
- • Adult entertainment/pornography
- • Sexually explicit content or services
Gambling & Games
- • Gambling, betting, lotteries
- • Games of chance (unless licensed)
Controlled Substances
- • Narcotics and controlled substances
- • Recreational drugs (including illegal cannabis)
- • Related paraphernalia
Intellectual Property
- • Counterfeit goods
- • IP infringement
- • Gray-market distribution
Hate & Discrimination
- • Hate or discriminatory content
- • Extremist content
- • Incitement to violence or illegal acts
Deceptive Schemes
- • Pyramid schemes
- • MLM focused on recruitment
- • Get-rich-quick schemes
- • Deceptive earnings claims
Medical Claims
- • Unsubstantiated health/medical claims
- • Unapproved medical devices
- • Unauthorized pharmaceuticals
Financial Services
- • Investment companies (unless permitted)
- • Blind pools
- • Unregistered crypto offerings
- • High-risk financial services
Environmental Violations
- • Illegal logging
- • Wildlife trade
- • Toxic waste
- • Hazardous materials violations
Restricted/Heightened-Review Categories
The following categories require enhanced due diligence, additional documents, licensing evidence and prior written approval.
Enforcement & Monitoring
Account Actions
SME4ME may reject, pause, remove or terminate accounts, listings and transactions at any time for Policy breaches or risk concerns.
Fund Refunds
Funds may be refunded (less fees/charges where applicable) if an offering is cancelled or an investment is voided due to non‑compliance.
Information Sharing
We may share information with regulators, law enforcement, payment partners and other third parties where required to investigate or prevent unlawful activity.
Appeals & Contact
If your business was declined or content removed, you may submit an appeal with supporting documentation to compliance@sme2me.co.ke. SME4ME's decision after review will be final.