The Beginner’s Guide to Invoice Financing (And Why It Matters Now More Than Ever)
Let’s start with the basics: cash flow makes or breaks a business
You’ve probably heard the saying, “Revenue is vanity, profit is sanity, but cash is reality.” And honestly, if you’ve ever run a small business—especially in the UAE—you know exactly what that means. You’re winning contracts, delivering goods or services, sending out invoices. But the bank account? Crickets. Because while the buyer might pay… eventually… you’ve got staff to pay, inventory to replenish, rent due now.
This is where invoice financing steps in—not as a loan, not as debt in disguise, but as a practical way to turn future payments into present opportunity.
What is invoice financing, really?
Here’s the thing—invoice financing isn’t a new concept, but the way Zelo does it? That’s what makes it exciting.
Let’s say you’re a supplier delivering uniforms to a large corporate—or a contractor working with ADNOC or Dubai Airports. You’ve delivered the work, sent your invoice, and it’s been approved. But you’re waiting 60, 90, sometimes even 120 days to get paid. In the meantime? Payroll, suppliers, growth plans—all stuck.
Zelo steps in to advance you cash against that approved invoice. When the buyer pays the invoice later, that cash goes to settle the facility. It’s not a loan you carry forever—it’s your money, just brought forward.
Why does this matter now more than ever?
Let’s talk timing.
- Government buyers are taking longer to pay (it’s just how the system works)
- SMEs are growing faster, taking on bigger clients and larger contracts
- Traditional financing? Slower than ever—and often out of reach
And the thing is, every day you spend waiting on an invoice is a day you’re not hiring, expanding, or bidding for the next big project. We’ve seen companies lose momentum not because they lacked ambition—but because they didn’t have access to their own money.
That’s the gap we built Zelo to fill.
Okay, but how does this actually work?
Let’s break it down.
- You raise an invoice to a buyer
Let’s say it’s one of our pre-approved buyers (ADNOC, NMDC, Emirates, SEWA, Emirates Global Aluminum, etc.). It’s been approved on their ERP or procurement system.
- You apply to Zelo for financing
Go to zelo.ae, click Apply Now,, and share a few details.
- We verify and assess
Our team reviews your case, verifies it with the buyer where needed, and runs a quick credit assessment.
- You receive your funds
Once approved, you are awarded a facility limit. Using this, you can request to have any pending invoices financed. Cash lands in your account— No need to wait for the 60-day payment cycle.
- Buyer pays later
When the payment comes in from the buyer, it flows through your Zelo-linked virtual IBAN, and the facility settles automatically.
Boom. You moved from credit to cash cycle—without a single bank involved.
Who’s this for?
Not everyone. And that’s by design.
Zelo focuses on UAE-based SMEs who:
- Sell to large corporates or government buyers
- Have approved invoices on the buyer’s ERP system
- Need to access working capital faster
We work with:
- Contractors in oil & gas, infrastructure, and civil works
- Traders and suppliers to SOEs and conglomerates
- Boutique service providers working with federal or local entities
- Healthcare operators awaiting payment from Daman, Aetna, or other insurers
So if your buyer is credible, and using an ERP system —and your invoice is clean—we’re probably a great fit.
What are the benefits?
Let’s count a few.
- No need for collateral – we don’t ask for your car, your house, or your warehouse.
- Instant access to funds – your working capital doesn’t stay tied up for months.
- Seamless experience – 100% digital, fully transparent, zero friction.
Scale with confidence – you get to say yes to more clients, more contracts, and more opportunity.
And honestly? Our clients say it better.
“Before Zelo, I had to plan projects around expected payments. Now, I plan around growth.”
– Owner at a mid-sized construction company working with Dubai Municipality
What makes Zelo different?
We’re not a bank. And we don’t pretend to be.
Zelo was born out of one goal: to help UAE businesses move faster. We understand what it’s like to pitch, win, deliver, and then wait. Our team’s built digital infrastructure that speaks directly to your pain points.
- Integrated with buyers’ ERP platforms
- Real-time dashboards and updates
- Dedicated relationship managers
- Pricing based on actual business performance—not guesswork
And yes, we’re licensed and regulated in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and backed by the International Holding Company (ADX: IHC).
How do I get started?
Right here: zelo.ae
No complicated application forms. No “we’ll get back to you in 15 working days.” Just a clean, fast, transparent process that gets you your money—when you need it.
Because in business, speed is everything.
And honestly, why wait for what’s already yours?
