Tag Archive for: Uganda

Empower YOU Businesses Receive Grants

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. 

Conor Walsh, Country Director of Uganda and South Sudan at Caritas Switzerland, giving an opening remark.

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. 

Luo Chalk Team pitching their business

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. 

Zoe Fresh Bites is Transforming Healthy Snacking

Uganda faces a significant issue with food preservation, leading to widespread post-harvest losses. Additionally, with the rise in non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and obesity, there is a growing demand for healthier snack alternatives. Unfortunately, the local market offers very limited options that are sugar-free, gluten-free, and made from fresh, organic ingredients. Zoe Fresh Bites seeks to bridge this gap by providing wholesome, locally produced snacks tailored to people’s dietary needs. 

The Genesis of Zoe Fresh Bites 

Zoe Fresh Bites was founded in October 2024 by Nabulya Sarah and her co-founder, Jonah Mike Ongona, an agriculturalist and environmental scientist. Motivated by their personal experiences with food waste and dietary challenges in their communities, they envisioned a business that adds value to fresh produce while promoting wellness. Together, they set out to create healthy snack options for people with dietary restrictions, children, and those seeking to make better food choices. 

Support from StartHub Africa 

Nabulya joined the Innovate for Food Security program to find answers and refine her vision. Initially focused on creating snacks for people with diabetes, her idea evolved significantly during the program. From defining food insecurity to engaging in research and development, the program helped shape Zoe Fresh Bites into a mission-driven business. The ideathons, boot camps, and mentorship sessions introduced essential tools like the Business Model Canvas and emphasized the importance of customer feedback. 

Nabulya Sarah Pitching during the Innovate For Food Security National Demo Day, 2024

Funding, Challenges and Solutions 

With funding from StartHub Africa, Zoe Fresh Bites acquired essential baking equipment, enabling them to develop and test two products. This milestone allowed them to engage 20 initial clients, gather valuable feedback, and improve product shelf life. The funding marked a critical transition from concept to market-ready products and laid the groundwork for scaling production. 

Despite their success, the team faced challenges, particularly with financial planning and production inefficiencies. Early bookkeeping efforts were not detailed enough, leading to overspending. Additionally, product testing led to losses due to unrefined formulas. By categorising expenses, creating departmental budgets, and testing small batches before scaling, they minimised waste and optimised product quality. 

Samples of the Zoe Fresh Bites Snack

Vision for the Future 

Looking ahead, Zoe Fresh Bites aims to scale up production, introduce new healthy snack varieties, and expand its customer base both locally and regionally. They are committed to continuing their journey with customers, co-creating products that meet real nutritional needs while supporting local agriculture and sustainability. 

Zoe Fresh Bites is more than a snack brand, it is a movement toward healthier living and community impact. For Nabulya Sarah, the journey is deeply personal. ‘Who are you learning with?’ she reflects. ‘Growing with those around you is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself.’ With a passionate team and a clear vision, Zoe Fresh Bites is well on its way to redefining healthy snacking in Uganda. 

Stanbic National Schools Championship 10

The Stanbic National Schools Championship (NSC) marked its 10th edition with an intensive and purpose-driven bootcamp held from May 4th to 9th, 2025, at Seroma Christian High School in Mukono District. Implemented by StartHub Africa, the week-long bootcamp brought together 150 schools from across Uganda, continuing the initiative’s mission to support the next generation of innovative thinkers and job creators.  

The bootcamp delivered an inspiring learning experience for students and teachers. Through interactive sessions, participants engaged in a well-rounded curriculum that covered entrepreneurship, financial literacy, personal development, character building, and, importantly, psychosocial support. 

“I left the Stanbic National Schools Championship Bootcamp not just a changed teacher but one full of zeal and charisma. The Battle of Champions Season 10 left an indelible mark with its diversity of sessions,” said Julia Nakyanzi, a fellow of the Stanbic NSC. 

The integration of psychosocial support highlighted a progressive approach to youth development, recognising that personal well-being is vital to sustainable success. Students and teachers gained tools to manage stress and maintain a healthy mindset as they navigated their entrepreneurial journeys. 

A key highlight of the bootcamp was the selection of the top 8 schools from each region and 4 outstanding alumni businesses. These teams were awarded seed capital to bring their business ideas to life. The funding serves as both validation of their hard work and a critical push towards transforming their ideas into tangible, impactful ventures. 

A captured moment with the winning team

These next steps will play a crucial role in supporting the students’ growth, ensuring that the investment drives real-world results. 

StartHub is honoured to work with Stanbic Bank Uganda in this impactful initiative. We recognise the significant role Stanbic plays in driving social and economic development in Uganda, and the NSC serves as a powerful testament to this commitment. Through our combined efforts, we can empower young Ugandans to become the architects of their own success and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s future.  

KAS Youth 4 Policy (Y4P) Innovation Fellowship 

Innovation is the engine of economic growth and sustainable development. In Uganda, fostering a thriving innovation ecosystem requires strategic policies that address challenges and create opportunities for startups, investors, and industry players. Recognizing this need, the KAS Y4P Fellowship, implemented in collaboration with Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) and StartHub Africa, was designed to equip young policy researchers and writers with the knowledge and skills to contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s innovation policy landscape. 

This initiative began with a bold vision to empower young Ugandans to shape policies through research and advocacy. Over the past six months, the fellowship provided participants with a structured and immersive experience, culminating in a milestone event where they presented their policy papers before key stakeholders. But the journey to that moment was one of dedication, learning, and collaboration. 

Phase 1: Recruitment and Selection of Fellows  

The first step of the fellowship involved identifying a cohort of passionate and talented individuals eager to explore policymaking in Uganda’s innovation sector. Applicants underwent a rigorous selection process, assessed on their research potential, analytical skills, and commitment to contributing to Uganda’s innovation ecosystem. 

Once selected, the fellows embarked on a transformative journey, gaining access to mentorship, expert-led workshops, and peer learning opportunities. 

The fellows at one of the expert-led workshops in Kampala

Phase 2: Research and Mentorship  

The heart of the fellowship lay in the research process. Fellows worked on critical topics affecting Uganda’s innovation landscape, including: 

  • Digital Transformation – Examining the role of technology in Uganda’s economic growth and the policies needed to support digital adoption. 
  • Investment and Venture Capital – Addressing the financial hurdles startups face and exploring how venture capital can be more accessible. 
  • AI Regulation – Assessing the current landscape of artificial intelligence and proposing regulatory frameworks to encourage ethical and sustainable AI development. 
  • Financial Constraints for Startups – Identifying challenges entrepreneurs face in securing funding and proposing solutions to foster a more supportive financing environment. 
  • Startup Financing and Ecosystem Development – Analyzing how Uganda can create a robust and sustainable startup ecosystem through policy interventions. 

Throughout the fellowship, participants were guided by industry experts and policymakers who provided valuable insights, helping them refine their research and develop actionable policy recommendations. 

Phase 3: Policy Writing and Refinement  

As their research took shape, the fellows engaged in multiple feedback sessions to ensure their policy papers were impactful, well-structured, and backed by solid evidence. They participated in writing workshops, where they learned how to craft compelling policy arguments, present data effectively, and align their recommendations with real-world policy needs. 

By the end of this phase, each fellow had developed a policy paper that provided actionable insights into Uganda’s innovation ecosystem. These papers were designed to highlight challenges and propose viable solutions that could inform future policymaking. 

Phase 4: The Fellowship Graduation Event  

The culmination of this journey was the KAS Y4P Fellowship graduation Event, held on February 27, 2025, at the StartHub Africa office in Bukoto. This event served as a platform for the fellows to showcase their work and engage with key stakeholders, including policymakers, industry leaders, and innovation experts. 

The KAS Y4P Fellowship was a movement toward evidence-based innovation policymaking in Uganda. As these policy papers circulate among stakeholders, they have the potential to influence real change in Uganda’s innovation ecosystem. 

A Journey of Growth and Community 

Starting and growing a business comes with its fair share of challenges, but for Immaculate Akello, the journey has been one of resilience, learning, and transformation. As a skincare product formulator and the founder of Keri Naturals, Immaculate is dedicated to producing natural, chemical-free skin and hair products using shea butter. Her products cater to various skin types, from dry and oily to normal and combination skin.  

Overcoming Business Challenges 

Before joining the Empower YOU project, Immaculate struggled with record-keeping. Although she was making sales, she couldn’t accurately determine her profit margins. “I wasn’t keeping proper records, so all I knew was that I had enough money to pay rent, restock my products, and meet daily expenses,” she recalls. 

During the program’s record-keeping sessions, she was introduced to Zoho Books, a tool that helped her track her sales and expenses. Through this, she discovered that some of her low-margin products, like plain shea butter, had a 60% profit margin per kilogram. This insight allowed her to prioritize high-margin products and focus on the most profitable aspects of her business. 

Immaculate Akello, Founder of Keri Naturals

Finding a Support System 

Beyond financial management, the most significant impact of the Empower YOU program for Immaculate was the sense of community it provided. “I started this business in Kampala, but when I moved to Lira, I felt isolated. I didn’t have many young entrepreneurs to interact with,” she shares. Through the Empower YOU project, she connected with like-minded entrepreneurs who became her support system.  

Growing Through Digital Marketing 

Another major transformation in her business came through social media marketing. Initially, Keri Naturals relied on walk-in customers and WhatsApp referrals. However, after a session with a social media expert, Immaculate set up business accounts on various platforms. One of her fellow program participants helped her design content for TikTok, and within just a month, she began seeing results. 

“We now receive at least two orders daily from TikTok and get inquiries from five to ten potential customers each day. Our online presence is growing, and it’s incredible to see how digital marketing is opening new opportunities for us,” she says. 

Winning and Scaling Up 

Securing a top three spot in the Empower YOU competition was a defining moment for Immaculate. “It showed me that someone believes in my idea. There were times I doubted myself and thought about returning to legal practice, but this recognition has renewed my energy.” 

Immaculate Akello receiving the Empower YOU Award

With the UGX 3 million prize money, she plans to invest in equipment to scale her production. “Right now, I only have a small hand mixer that can whip two kilograms of shea butter at a time. With the new mixer, I’ll be able to process eight to ten kilograms. I’m also getting a filling machine to improve our packaging process, making it more efficient and hygienic.” 

House Ojok and Agro-Processing 

Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with challenges, lessons, and growth. For Ojok Moses Walter, founder of House Ojok Investments Limited, the Empower YOU project was a game-changer. Based in Gulu City, House Ojok Investments is an agro-processing company specializing in chili products. Since its inception, the company has developed three products in the chili value chain: chili powder, chili sweet and hot sauce, and chili garlic oil. 

Overcoming Challenges with Empower YOU 

“Before joining the Empower YOU program, we struggled with marketing and distribution. Despite having high-quality products, reaching the right market and increasing sales was a major challenge,” said Moses Walter. “The program provided us with the training and mentorship we needed to tackle these issues head-on, equipping our business with essential strategies to expand our reach and improve sales.”

A Turning Point in the Program 

The real transformation came during the Acceleration phase of the program. One of the most impactful lessons came from a session on business survival. Learning that an average business takes about three years to break even was an eye-opener. This insight reassured Moses that House Ojok Investments was on the right trajectory, and with focused efforts, breaking even before their second anniversary was an achievable goal. 

The program also introduced new perspectives on sales strategy. Moses learned that if he wanted to secure 100 sales, he needed to reach at least 1,000 potential customers—a 10% conversion rate. This realization pushed the team to aggressively expand their marketing efforts, and the results were almost immediate. Sales numbers began to rise as they refined their sales approach, shifting from merely highlighting the quality of their products to addressing the specific needs of their B2B clients. Instead of just telling shopkeepers how good the product was, they now emphasized how fast it could move off the shelves and the profit margins retailers could expect. Speaking the customer’s language made all the difference. 

Winning the Empower YOU Grant 

“Receiving the Empower YOU grant was a defining moment for House Ojok Investments. It wasn’t just my win—it was a victory for my entire team, our loyal customers, and the community that has supported us. The grant came at a crucial time, just as we were preparing to scale and needed the financial backing to seize new opportunities,” said Moses Walter.

A moment of triumph as Ojok Moses Walter proudly received his Empower YOU award

One of the most immediate needs the funding will address is packaging. A major opportunity arose through StartHub Africa—signing a distributorship contract with a company handling distribution in Kampala and Mid-Western Uganda. This required proper packaging of products, something the company had struggled to afford due to high costs. The grant will now make it possible to invest in quality packaging that meets market standards. 

Additionally, the funding will help expand inventory to meet growing demand. Shortly after receiving the award, the company landed an order for ten cartons—over 50% of its current inventory. With increasing orders, ensuring a steady supply of products is essential to maintaining both local and national demand. 

Looking Ahead 

With the support of the Empower YOU program, House Ojok Investments is poised for remarkable growth. The lessons learned, the refined sales strategies, and the financial boost have set the business on a path toward sustainability and success. 

Innovate For Food Security National Demo Day

On November 22nd, 2024, the Innovate for Food Security Program reached an exciting milestone with the National Demo Day. This inspiring event celebrated the creativity and determination of young innovators who are addressing critical challenges in agriculture and food security, particularly in the context of climate change.

Zoe Fresh Bites pitching to the audience

The Innovate for Food Security Program has been a dynamic platform for university students and recent graduates from various institutions. Over several months, participants engaged in a structured journey that included ideathons, bootcamps, mentorship sessions, and pitch events.

This rigorous process was designed to help them refine their innovative ideas and bring them closer to reality. Out of numerous participants, 12 exceptional teams advanced to the final bootcamp, where they showcased their groundbreaking solutions to an audience of peers, mentors, and stakeholders.

Why This Program Matters

The program aims to address two vital objectives:

  1. Tackling Climate Change and Food Security
    By fostering the development of entrepreneurial ventures that mitigate the effects of climate change, the program seeks to strengthen food security and resilience in agriculture.
  2. Empowering Youth in Agriculture
    It encourages young people to explore income-generating opportunities within the agricultural value chain, providing them with tools, mentorship, and funding to succeed.

Through these goals, the Innovate for Food Security Program has become a catalyst for impactful, sustainable change in agriculture.

Celebrating the Achievements

The National Demo Day highlighted the impressive work of all participants, but six ventures stood out for their ingenuity, practicality, and sustainability. Among these, four received grants to scale their projects:

  • Revive Fruit Juice: This venture provides nutritious, ready-to-drink options as healthier alternatives to sugary beverages, particularly for hospital patients.
  • Zoe Fresh Bites: By creating organic, diabetic-friendly snacks with locally sourced ingredients, this venture meets the growing demand for health-conscious, sustainable products.
  • Maffy Juice Products: Addressing fruit waste, low local coffee consumption, and limited coffee-flavoured beverages, this initiative transforms challenges into opportunities through innovative solutions.
  • Perisseia Company Limited: Focused on eco-friendly skincare, this company offers organic cosmetics made from cow ghee, catering to the rising demand for natural beauty products.

The Innovate for Food Security Program doesn’t stop at the Demo Day. The journey continues with ongoing mentorship and support for all participants, ensuring that their ideas grow into impactful, sustainable ventures.

This event reaffirmed the incredible potential of youth-driven innovation in addressing global challenges. By empowering young entrepreneurs with the resources and guidance they need, the program is shaping a future where food security and resilience are achievable goals.

Empower YOU Pitch Event

On October 25th, 2024, the Empower YOU Pitch Event brought together 16 outstanding entrepreneurs from Lira and Gulu, showcasing their thriving businesses and the transformative power of innovation, resilience, and strategic support. This wasn’t just a day of pitching—it was a celebration of growth, community impact, and the unwavering entrepreneurial spirit that drives change.

A Celebration of Resilience and Innovation

The entrepreneurs, already making a difference in their communities, joined the Empower YOU program to amplify their impact. Through tailored training, hands-on workshops, and mentorship, they refined their business models and gained the confidence to scale their ventures. Their pitches demonstrated not only their dedication but also the potential of their ideas to address real needs and drive meaningful progress.

Ten exceptional businesses were awarded grants to supercharge their growth and operations. But the support didn’t end there—every entrepreneur will continue to receive mentorship and additional grants, ensuring that each journey is nurtured and every business has the resources to succeed.

The Empower YOU program stands out for its holistic approach to entrepreneurship. Beyond funding, it focuses on equipping entrepreneurs with essential skills such as problem-solving, customer engagement, and financial planning. Participants embraced challenges, applied new strategies, and demonstrated remarkable resilience.

The grants they received represent a beginning, not an end. Armed with enhanced knowledge, networks, and a supportive community, these entrepreneurs are ready to amplify their impact—creating jobs, boosting local economies, and building sustainable businesses that uplift their communities.

The Empower YOU project goes beyond individual success—it’s a movement to empower micro and small businesses as engines of change. By providing the right tools, mentorship, and opportunities, we’re investing in stronger communities, thriving economies, and a brighter future for all.

October 25 marked an important milestone, but it’s just the start. As these entrepreneurs embark on the next chapter of their journeys, we are excited to see them embrace new challenges and transform their communities through innovation and resilience.

Innovate For Employment Program Transformation

On October 11, 2024, we celebrated a transformative milestone as Cohort 2 of the Innovate4Employment program completed their journey, marking a powerful shift from education to meaningful employment and entrepreneurship. This cohort of 28 ambitious young graduates joined with a common goal: to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application, arming themselves with the skills needed to excel in today’s workforce.

The Results: Inspiring and Impactful

The impact of their journey? Nothing short of inspiring. Within weeks of completion, 18 participants secured full-time roles with industry-leading organizations, and two others stepped confidently into entrepreneurship, launching ventures backed by the program’s insights and practical guidance. This success not only underscores each participant’s determination but also highlights the program’s effectiveness in preparing young professionals for real-world challenges.

Laura Althaus Mugagga, Co-founder, of StartHub Africa giving an opening speech during the Event

A Transformative 8-Week Journey

For the past 8 weeks, Innovate4Employment provided participants with immersive, hands-on internships through partnerships with prominent organizations. Each participant was paired with a host organization, gaining not only exposure but also the chance to actively contribute. These young innovators, guided by mentors, tackled real-world projects and were entrusted with meaningful responsibilities far beyond typical intern roles.

Armed with design thinking and problem-solving expertise honed through the program, they didn’t just observe—they made real contributions. Equipped to address complex challenges and collaborate with seasoned professionals, they brought bold ideas and innovation to every project.

From Bold Ideas to Real-World Solutions

Throughout their internships, participants worked closely with host organizations to address operational efficiency, product development, customer engagement, and more. The results of these efforts were tangible, impactful, and lasting: some projects led to cost-saving innovations, while others introduced entirely new processes that reshaped workflows. The project findings and recommendations presented by these young professionals left a lasting impression on their host organizations, demonstrating their ability to turn academic theory into actionable, value-adding solutions.

One of the participants receiving an Award for being the most creative participant

Laying a Foundation for Career Success

Innovate4Employment equipped graduates with technical knowledge and critical soft skills, such as adaptability, communication, and teamwork—essentials in today’s dynamic job market. For those who secured employment, the program served as a gateway to valuable entry points in their industries. They built networks, gained insights into workplace dynamics, and developed the resilience needed to thrive.

The program also set a solid foundation for our two budding entrepreneurs, providing them with the confidence and skills to pursue business ownership. Their journey in Innovate4Employment enabled them to transform innovative ideas into real-world solutions, equipping them to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship.

A Commitment to Sustainable Impact

While the journey of Cohort 2 has reached a milestone, Innovate4Employment remains dedicated to empowering young professionals, helping them unlock potential, and enabling meaningful contributions to society. By equipping participants with practical skills and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, we’re building a future workforce that is adaptable, resilient, and ready to address tomorrow’s challenges.

See the Impact of Innovate4Employment in Action!

Want to witness the impact of Innovate4Employment firsthand?

Watch Testimonials  from participants as they share their journeys and the transformative experiences that have set them on the path to success

Empowering Retailers and Market Vendors

In partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP), StartHub Africa is proud to have completed an impactful initiative, empowering 138 retailers and market vendors in Nakivale’s New Congo and Rubondo markets, as well as the Oruchinga settlement. This transformative journey focused on equipping these entrepreneurs with essential business skills to enhance their financial management and boost their businesses. 

At the heart of the training was the importance of bookkeeping. By mastering this foundational skill, participants are now equipped to make data-driven decisions and take control of their financial futures. But we didn’t stop there. The program also introduced participants to innovative sales and marketing strategies, enabling them to attract more customers, increase their revenues, and confidently grow their ventures. 

StartHub Africa Team and the WFP Team during the Retailer of the Year Award

A highlight of the training was the introduction of the sales funnel, a game-changing concept that showed vendors how to turn potential customers into loyal advocates. Alongside this, participants learned savings and budgeting techniques, providing them with tools to manage their earnings, reinvest in their businesses, and build a sustainable future. 

The program’s real breakthroughs came during personalized one-on-one sessions, where participants received tailored support to refine their bookkeeping practices and develop actionable plans to elevate their businesses. 

To celebrate these achievements, we honoured four exceptional participants with a 1.5M UGX grant and a plaque for their dedication. Additionally, three runners-up were awarded 1M UGX each to support their business growth. 

This program has gone beyond teaching skills—it has sparked a ripple effect of change, equipping market vendors to build stronger, more sustainable businesses.  

The future looks bright for Nakivale and Oruchinga, and this is just the beginning. 

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