Uganda Launches New Grants for Women Entrepreneurs Who Missed GROW Loans

The Ugandan government has rolled out a new grant initiative designed to assist women entrepreneurs who were unsuccessful in securing loans under the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) project. This scheme aims to provide non-repayable financial support to women-led micro and small enterprises, with amounts varying from Shs3.5 million to Shs107 million.

The initiative is specifically targeting women who faced obstacles in accessing the GROW loans, such as stringent banking requirements, limited credit access, and financial constraints. Many women were unable to meet the collateral demands, particularly in rural areas where customary land, often registered under male family members, is the primary form of security.

Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Dr. Mercy Lakisa Faith, emphasized that the new grants are intended to ensure broader participation and equitable distribution of project benefits. “We must spread project benefits widely so that every eligible woman entrepreneur gets a fair chance to scale up,” she stated during a regional orientation for local government leaders.

The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, with support from the World Bank, is implementing the program. Government plans to support approximately 2,626 women-owned enterprises nationwide, including 767 businesses in refugee-hosting districts. Priority will be given to ventures in STEM, green businesses, agribusiness, health technology, and childcare services.

Officials have been urged to sensitize potential beneficiaries and guard against misinformation and corruption, stressing that applications are free. Submissions will be handled digitally via the GROW Project website and a dedicated mobile application. Challenges faced by women in the previous loan scheme, including a lack of understanding and perceived political manipulation of the program, are being addressed through this new, more accessible grant system.

https://nilepost.co.ug/news/376488/new-grants-target-women-who-missed-grow-loans