Women business incubators are crucial in promoting gender equity in entrepreneurship in Uganda. By providing essential resources, mentorship, and office space, these incubators empower women to overcome barriers and succeed in their business endeavors.
Community Business Incubator
The Community Business Incubator is a dedicated project designed to empower women entrepreneurs by providing the essential resources, mentorship, and office space needed to start and grow their businesses.
Why It Matters
A Woman's Work to own!!
In Uganda, women face significant barriers to entrepreneurship, including limited access to finance, inadequate business training, and social and cultural constraints. According to the World Bank, only 33% of formal businesses in Uganda are owned by women, highlighting the gender disparity in the business sector.
Furthermore, a report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) indicates that women entrepreneurs often struggle to access the necessary resources and support to grow their businesses, leading to high rates of business failure and economic vulnerability.
Addressing these challenges is crucial for fostering economic inclusion and empowering women to contribute fully to Uganda’s economic development. By supporting women entrepreneurs, we can stimulate job creation, promote sustainable economic growth, and enhance the well-being of communities.
The Community Business Incubator is a dedicated project designed to empower women entrepreneurs by providing the essential resources, mentorship, and office space needed to start and grow their businesses.
Our incubator focuses on the following key areas:
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Resources:
- Access to business development tools and resources, including market research, financial planning, and marketing strategies.
- Provision of necessary equipment and office space to create a conducive working environment for business operations.
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Mentorship:
- Pairing participants with experienced mentors who provide guidance, advice, and support throughout the entrepreneurial journey.
- Regular workshops and training sessions on various aspects of business management, leadership, and innovation.
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Networking Opportunities:
- Facilitating connections with other entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts to build a strong support network.
- Organizing events and forums to showcase participant businesses and attract potential partners and customers.
In Uganda, the gender gap in entrepreneurship is substantial. According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), women constitute approximately 50.7% of the total population, yet only 33% of formal businesses are owned by women. This disparity is further emphasized by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) report, which indicates that women are 20% less likely to start a business compared to men due to various barriers including limited access to capital, mentorship, and market opportunities.
Source: Global Entrepreneurship Monitor
The Bottom Line:
efiug beneficiary attends to her grocery store in Kasubi
efiug beneficiary attends to her grocery store in Kasubi
Small-Scale Businesses as a Tool to Combat GBV – EFIUG’s Approach
Introduction Small-scale businesses offer an effective way to empower women and reduce the incidence of GBV.
See moreVoices in the incubator
Sarah's Story:
Sarah, a single mother from Kampala, joined our incubator program with a dream of starting her own tailoring business. With the support of her mentor and access to office space and equipment, Sarah successfully launched her business. Within six months, she hired three employees and saw her monthly revenue triple. "The incubator provided me with the tools and confidence I needed to turn my dream into reality," says Sarah.
Amina's Journey:
Amina, an aspiring tech entrepreneur, faced numerous challenges in securing funding for her startup. Through the incubator’s networking events, she connected with an angel investor who believed in her vision. Today, Amina’s tech company is thriving, employing ten people and providing innovative solutions to local businesses. "The incubator was a game-changer for me. It opened doors I never thought possible," shares Amina.
Take Action
There are lots of ways to get involved with efiug’s work to advance equity. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of women and girls.