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.

Who Can Apply?

A typical applicant is a youth aged 18–24 who want wants to learn new skills, or have business ideas. They are building skills that lead to employment, income generation, or enterprise growth.

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New i-UPSHIFT

For new i-UPSHIPT participants aged 18–24 ready to build their future

  • 4-day hands-on bootcamp
  • Learn social innovation
  • Seed grants of up to UGX 300,000
  • Financial management training
  • Pitch for up to UGX 2,000,000
  • 6 weeks of 1:1 mentorship

Alumni Learning

For iUPSHIFT alumni seeking work experience and employment pathways

  • 2-day soft skills training
  • Professional CV training
  • Learn how to apply for jobs
  • Join 12-week paid internship
  • Gain real work experience & referees
  • Pathway to full-time employment

Alumni Acceleration

Designed for iUPSHIFT alumni with active businesses ready to grow

  • 2-day business bootcamp
  • Online masterclass in AI
  • Learn Marketing & Sales
  • 1:1 Financial Management
  • Market linkages to customers
  • Grants of up to UGX 1,800,000

Participation Eligibility

  1. Youth aged 18–24 years.
  2. Interested to participate in i-UPSHIFT for the first time.
  3. Previous participants of i-UPSHIFT can apply.
  4. Operating in Kampala or Isingiro.
  5. Young women, refugees, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
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About

I-UPSHIFT is implemented by StartHub Africa in close collaboration with UNICEF Uganda, the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, district local governments, and private sector partners.

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Ask Questions

For more information, get in touch: l.ayaa@starthubafrica.org

Phone: 0778 057 020

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