KAMPALA, UGANDA: 04 April 2026— The Government of Uganda has ramped up the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) Project, specifically designed to transition women-led businesses from micro-scale ventures into competitive, small-to-medium enterprises.
Implemented through a partnership between the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MoGLSD) and the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), the project aims to solve the “missing middle” problem—where women entrepreneurs often find themselves stuck in low-productivity, informal work due to a lack of capital and infrastructure.
The GROW Project, a $217 million initiative backed by the World Bank, doesn’t just offer a single solution; it provides an integrated “wrap-around” package of services designed to address the unique barriers women face:
Financial Power: Access to specialized GROW Loans (ranging from UGX 4 million to 200 million) with competitive interest rates and flexible security requirements.
Skill Mastery: A free, 10-module training program covering digital marketing, financial literacy, and business management.
Infrastructure Support: Grants for “Common User Production Facilities” and children’s early learning centers, allowing mothers to scale their manufacturing while ensuring their children are cared for.
Mentorship & Networks: Dedicated Women Entrepreneurship Platforms (WEPs) at the district level for networking and peer-to-peer learning.
Inclusive Growth for All
The project is notably inclusive, with a strong focus on refugee women and those living in host districts. Additionally, affirmative action is integrated for entrepreneurs from ethnic minority groups, persons with disabilities, and regions requiring developmental support such as Karamoja, Bukedi, and Busoga.
”The GROW Project is an accelerator for women who have already shown resilience in programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM),” noted project officials. “It’s about taking that existing grit and providing the professional infrastructure to turn it into a national success story.”
How to Get Involved
Women entrepreneurs owning at least 51% of their business are encouraged to apply. Whether you are in the informal or formal sector, the project offers a pathway to legal registration, product certification, and export promotion.
Ready to grow?
For more information, entrepreneurs are encouraged to: Contact: Visit your District or City GROW Project Focal Person (Community Development Officer).
Call: Use the Toll-Free line on 0800307777, or Apply: Applications for work placements and grants can be found on the official GROW website.
By moving from survival to sustainability, the GROW Project isn’t just funding businesses; it’s building a new generation of Ugandan industry leaders.
