Incentivising businesses to participate in international development means first and foremost understanding companies’ motivations. Key success factors are: finding where business and development goals align, communicating a purpose that matches with corporate values, showcasing existing business partnerships to build credibility and attract new companies through peer groups, and acting as a neutral facilitator between government and the private sector. Putting a notional monetary value on the in-kind contributions of business, as well as measuring the commercial benefits of development projects to businesses, could further incentivise private sector participation.