Groundwork

Last updated 27 October 2026

Terms of use

These terms apply to everyone who uses Groundwork. By creating an account you agree to them. Please also read our privacy page.

What Groundwork is

Groundwork is a place where Ethiopian small businesses and start-ups present themselves to investors and customers, and where members can message and call each other. Groundwork only makes introductions. No investment, loan, order or payment is made through it, and Groundwork never holds money for anyone. Any agreement is made directly between the members involved, outside the platform.

Not financial advice

Nothing on Groundwork is financial, legal or tax advice, or an offer of securities. Figures on a listing, such as revenue and customer numbers, are reported by the business and are not audited. Verification confirms that the documents a business submitted were checked; it is not a recommendation or a guarantee of how the business will perform. Do your own due diligence and take independent advice before you invest or sign anything.

Your account

  • You must be at least 18 and able to enter into contracts.
  • Give accurate information, keep it up to date, and keep your password to yourself. You are responsible for what happens under your account.
  • You choose whether you join as a business, investor or customer when you sign up, and it can't be changed later.

Listing a business

  • You may only list a business you own or are authorised to represent.
  • Documents you upload must be genuine and belong to that business. Submitting false or someone else's documents leads to removal and may be reported to the authorities.
  • Your listing, funding ask and use of funds must be honest and not misleading. Keep them up to date.
  • You are responsible for meeting any legal requirements that apply when you raise money or sell, including tax and investment rules.

How to behave

  • Be respectful. No harassment, threats, discrimination or spam.
  • Do not use Groundwork for fraud, money laundering, or any product or activity that is illegal in Ethiopia.
  • Do not ask other members to pay you or send deposits as a condition of talking.
  • Do not copy listings or contact details in bulk, or try to get around the platform's security.

Reviews, suspension and closing accounts

Our team reviews every listing before it goes live, and may ask for changes, refuse a listing, or suspend one that breaks these terms or receives credible complaints. We may close accounts that break these terms. You can ask us to close your account at any time.

Your content

You keep ownership of what you publish. You allow Groundwork to show it to members, and to use your business name and listing to operate and promote the service. Don't upload content you don't have the right to use.

Liability

Groundwork is provided as it is. We work to keep it running and accurate, but we are not a party to agreements between members and are not responsible for their outcome, for what members say or do, or for losses from investments or purchases made after an introduction. Nothing in these terms limits liability that cannot be limited under Ethiopian law.

Changes and law

We may update these terms. If a change is significant we will tell members before it applies. These terms are governed by the laws of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Contact

Groundwork is developed and run by JIREHGRP in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Questions or reports: jirehgrp.com.