The Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) Project is a flagship initiative by the Government of Uganda aimed at economically empowering women entrepreneurs across the country.
Supported by a generous grant of USD 217 million from the World Bank, the project is being jointly implemented by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MoGLSD) and the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU).
Targeting Women-Owned Micro and Small Enterprises
GROW is specifically designed to support women-owned micro and small-scale enterprises that show potential for expansion and improved productivity. To qualify, a business must be at least 51% owned by a woman. The project categorizes eligible businesses into:
- Micro-enterprises: Employ fewer than 5 people and have an annual turnover below UGX 10 million.
- Small enterprises: Employ between 5 to 49 people and earn an annual turnover ranging from UGX 10 million to UGX 100 million.
Comprehensive Support for Women in Business
The GROW Project offers a multi-pronged approach to business support, aimed at fostering sustainable growth and competitiveness among women-led ventures. Its interventions include:
- Training and Skilling: Capacity-building programs to enhance business management, financial literacy, and technical skills.
- Women Enterprise Platforms (WEPs): Networks that enable women entrepreneurs to share resources, ideas, and opportunities.
- Common User Facilities: Shared spaces with access to tools, machinery, and technologies to lower production costs and increase efficiency.
- Business Financing through GROW Loans: Affordable financial support tailored to meet the needs of small women-led businesses.
- Trade Facilitation: Support for access to markets, both local and international, helping women expand their reach.
- Work Placement and Apprenticeships: On-the-job training and mentorship opportunities to nurture talent and improve employability.
- Grants for Innovative Businesses: Non-repayable funding to encourage creativity and innovation in business operations.
Driving Gender-Inclusive Economic Growth
By addressing critical barriers faced by women in business—such as limited access to capital, skills gaps, and market entry challenges—the GROW Project is poised to make a lasting impact on Uganda’s economic landscape. The initiative not only fosters entrepreneurship but also promotes gender-inclusive growth, paving the way for a more equitable and productive society.
With USD 217 million backing this transformative effort, Uganda is taking a bold step toward empowering its women entrepreneurs and unlocking the full potential of its micro and small enterprise sector.