WeWork – Green and Decent Jobs for Youth
Empowering youth-led businesses operating in the green and circular economy (CGE) by providing incubation, financing, and technical support.
About the Project
WeWork – Green and Decent Jobs for Youth is a 24‑month initiative implemented in collaboration with Enabel, the Belgian Agency for International Cooperation, under the Global Gateway strategy; funded by the European Union and Belgium. The project focuses on empowering youth-led businesses operating in the green and circular economy (CGE) by providing incubation, financing, and technical support.
Bootcamp + Pitching
Selected founders will participate in an intensive one-week residential Bootcamp led by expert business trainers. During this immersive experience, entrepreneurs refine their business models, strengthen their financial and operational skills.
Coaching
Founders who advance into the incubation phase will benefit from 4.5 months of tailored, one-on-one coaching focused on accelerating revenue growth, strengthening job creation potential, and increasing market access.
Awards and Grants
Outstanding founders will receive seed grants designed to help them unlock their next stage of growth. These grants support businesses to improve prototypes, operations, and strengthen revenue-generating activities.
What is Circular and Green Economy (CGE)?
The Green Economy focuses on how businesses produce goods and services in ways that protect the environment. It includes businesses that use natural resources responsibly, reduce pollution, conserve ecosystems, and promote sustainable practices.
The Circular Economy rethinks the traditional “take, make, dispose” model by keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible. It encourages repairing, reusing, refurbishing, recycling, & transforming waste into new products or resources.
Together, they form the Green and Circular Economy, a new way of doing business that is good for people, communities, and the planet.
Categories include:
- Renewable Energy – solar, biogas, wind, energy briquettes
- Sustainable Agriculture – organic farming, agroforestry, aquaculture
- Agro-processing & Food Preservation – fruit drying, juice processing, grain milling
- Recycling & Upcycling – plastic, metal, paper, and textile recycling
- Sustainable Packaging – biodegradable, recycled, or reusable packaging
- Clean Cooking & Energy Efficiency – cookstoves, biogas digesters, solar lanterns
- Eco-construction & Green Building – recycled materials, compressed earth blocks
- Sustainable Fashion & Textiles – upcycled clothing, natural fibre products
- Water & Sanitation Solutions – water purification, rainwater harvesting
- Eco-tourism & Nature-based Businesses – eco-lodges, conservation tourism
Who can Apply?
- Youth (18–35 years) working on a green or circular economy business.
- Operating in the Kampala Metropolitan region (Kampala Central, Wakiso, Mukono)
- Operating in the Busoga Sub-region (Jinja and Kamuli Districts)
- Operating in the West Nile Sub-region (Arua, Terego, Madi-Okollo, Yumbe, Kiranydongo)
- Have a prototype, early traction, or proof of concept.
- Are committed to attending residential bootcamps and coaching sessions.
- Are willing to undergo financial and compliance support.
Business Financing Options
Explore a curated portfolio of financing options designed to help you start, build, and scale your business. Whether you’re launching a new venture or expanding an existing one, these solutions provide the financial support you need at every stage of growth.
