Market Access Program

Empowering young agro-processors and micro food entrepreneurs to formalize, certify, and distribute their products through structured business training, UNBS certification support, and direct market linkages in Uganda.

About the Project

Market Access is a 12-month initiative implemented by StartHub Africa in partnership with SABAA.education – Bildung für Subsahara Afrika gGmbH, and funded by SCHMITZ STIFTUNGEN through financing by the BMZ.

The project focuses on improving access to formal markets for young small business owners operating in Uganda’s agro-processing and food industry. Through practical business training, certification support, and structured distribution systems, the program helps entrepreneurs transition from informal selling to supplying supermarkets and retail outlets.

Who Can Apply?

A typical applicant is a young entrepreneur aged 18–35 who produces processed food products or is a micro-entrepreneur in the food sector and is based in the Greater Kampala, Gulu, or Lira.

Submit Application

Practical Business Training

Access 3 practical training modules. Choose what is most relevant for your business.

Pricing, Profitability & Bookkeeping
Packaging & UNBS Standards
Marketing & Customer Acquisition

UNBS Certification Support

Comprehensive financial and technical assistance to help businesses meet UNBS standards.

Laboratory Testing Fees
Packaging Compliance Advisory
Certificate Issuance Facilitation

Market Access and Distribution

Learn structured pathways connecting producers to formal retail and distribution channels.

Product listing in market brochures
Direct Linkages to Supermarkets
Coordinated Product Distribution

Networking and Business Community

Access a collaborative ecosystem that strengthens peer learning and long-term business growth. Build a strong businesses through shared knowledge and structured support.

Membership in a 300+ Entrepreneurs
Active WhatsApp Network
Regional Peer-to-peer Connections
Experience & Learning Exchanges
Continued Advisory from StartHub Africa

Who can Apply?

Youth aged 18-35 producing processed food products (e.g., dried beans, porridge, honey, peanut butter)
Have businesses in the Greater Kampala, Gulu, or Lira
Are micro-entrepreneurs in the food sector
Are committed to growing their businesses and accessing formal markets
Can attend 1.5-day training sessions in their region

Submit Application

About

Market Access Program focusses on Improving access to formal markets for young small business owners in the Ugandan agro processing and food industry.

Submit Application

Ask Questions

For more information, get in touch: r.lutaro@starthubafrica.org

Phone: 0772622186