The energy was high, the ideas were bold, and the ambition was unmistakable as 15 determined entrepreneurs took the stage at the Empower YOU Pitch Event in Lira city. Hosted under the Empower YOU program, this milestone event celebrated not just innovative pitches, but the growth, confidence, and community spirit of youth-led micro and small businesses in Uganda’s northern region.
Elevating Entrepreneurs in Lira and Gulu
Held on July 25, 2025, this pitch event provided a platform for participants from Lira and Gulu to present their businesses to a panel of judges after months of intensive training and mentorship. From eco-friendly fashion to innovative agro-processing and community-driven services, each pitch reflected the unique challenges these entrepreneurs aim to solve, and the impact they’re already making in their communities.
Their journeys through the Empower YOU program have been defined by learning, adapting, and growing. With access to hands-on training, expert-led workshops, and personalised coaching, these entrepreneurs refined their business models, honed their pitches, and grew their confidence to speak boldly about their visions.
A Consortium Driving Youth Empowerment
The Empower YOU program is implemented by a dynamic consortium led by Caritas Switzerland (CACH) and includes StartHub Africa and Gulu Women’s Economic Development and Globalization (GWED-G). Together, the consortium aims to empower youth by:
- Enhancing sustainable income generation and life skills
- Promoting youth participation in policy, decision-making, and development processes at both national and local levels to foster greater social and economic inclusion
This multi-faceted approach ensures that young people are not only equipped to start businesses but are also empowered to lead within their communities and influence broader systems of change.
Recognizing Excellence: 11 Businesses Awarded Grants
Out of the 15 inspiring entrepreneurs who pitched, 11 were selected to receive grants to help them scale their businesses. These grants symbolise more than financial support; they’re a powerful endorsement of the potential and resilience of local ideas.
One of the recipients, Aber Carolyne, founder of Luo Chalk, produces high-quality chalk using locally sourced materials in Gulu. Reflecting on her journey through the program, she shared:
“This program has not only expanded our knowledge but has reshaped the way we run our business, driving real, measurable growth. We’ve seen significant changes in how we operate, make decisions, and position ourselves for sustainability and impact.”
Her experience highlights the transformative impact Empower YOU has on equipping entrepreneurs for real-world success, beyond just funding.
However, Empower YOU doesn’t stop at funding. Each participant, whether awarded a grant or not, will continue to receive follow-up mentorship and support. This approach ensures that every entrepreneur is equipped not only to sustain their ventures but to thrive and scale with resilience.
A Program That Goes Beyond Pitching
The strength of the Empower YOU program lies in its holistic support for youth-led businesses. It emphasises practical skills such as customer engagement, financial literacy, strategic thinking, and market access, preparing entrepreneurs for long-term success.
Each pitch day is a celebration of the work already accomplished, but it’s also a launchpad for what’s ahead. These entrepreneurs aren’t just building businesses, they’re creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and transforming lives.
