i-UPSHIFT: Skills and Economic Pathways for Youth
Strengthening youth employability and entrepreneurship through structured skills development, innovation support, and pathways to employment, income generation, and sustainable livelihoods.
About i-UPSHIFT
The initiative equips marginalized adolescents and youth with 21st-century, entrepreneurial, and employability skills, while re-engaging i-UPSHIFT alumni through structured learning, business acceleration, and employment pathways. i-UPSHIFT emphasizes translating skills into real economic opportunities, including jobs, income generation, and sustainable enterprises.
New to i-UPSHIFT
Participants engage in intensive bootcamps focused on problem-solving, entrepreneurship, and employability skills. This is followed by mentorship, growth sprints, pitch days, and access to innovation grants.
Alumni Learning
Previous participants of i-UPSHIFT transitioning to employment receive soft skills and work-readiness training and are matched to three-month private sector internships to strengthen employability and workplace readiness.
Alumni Acceleration
Active alumni-led businesses receive advanced business diagnostics, acceleration bootcamps, financial and compliance support, market linkages, and access to competitive alumni grants.
Project Benefits
What Participants Receive
Depending on the track, participants benefit from:
- i-UPSHIFT bootcamp training and mentorship
- Seed, innovation, or alumni grants
- Business acceleration and coaching support
- Internship placements with private sector partners
- Financial literacy, compliance, and market-readiness support
- Pitch, showcase and connect with partners
Who can Apply?
- Youth aged 18–24 years.
- Adolescents and youth participating in the i-UPSHIFT for the first time.
- Previous participants of i-UPSHIFT re-engaged through learning and acceleration tracks.
- Operating in Kampala or Isingiro.
- Young women, refugees, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Ask Questions
For more information, get in touch: l.ayaa@starthubafrica.org
Phone: 0778 057 020
