dfcu Bank on January 16 flagged off 10 women entrepreneurs travelling to Nairobi on a study trip.
The entrepreneurs were part of 80 women who responded to a call for business proposals under the Rising Woman initiative that run from July to November 2018.
The Business proposal writing competition was aimed at giving women an opportunity to articulate their business ideas in writing and win partial funding for the same
According to the Chairlady dfcu Women in Business Advisory Council, Dr Gudula N. Basaza, this trip will enhance their understanding of various businesses, how to run sustainable enterprises, taking advantage of partnership opportunities as well as exploring innovations and best practices that they can apply in Uganda.
“Access to information and networks is valuable in breaking the barriers to growth for many women considering they own 45% of businesses in Uganda. By sponsoring businesswomen on this study excursion, dfcu is making it possible for them to gain more knowledge and also establish networks that will be valuable. It’s our hope that when they return, they too will share the knowledge acquired and mentor other women in line with the Rising Woman objectives,” added Dr. Basaza.
Agatha Nalubwama represents Mukisa Maize mill in Kayunga district which is a business run by a group of widows with a desire to improve the livelihoods of their families. She said the tip will help her understand more how Kenyans have managed process maize into tangible products
“I want to understand the Kenyan Value chain of Maize processing, markets available for the maize food basket of Uganda and Value addition in general. The Rising Woman initiative has positively impacted on Uganda’s economic development by empowering women and supporting the entrance of new players in the business arena,” she said.
The lucky top 10 groups include; Krystal Ice Limited involved in horticulture production, Cradle Care Mobile Application involved in providing 24/7 child care, Kalaa Mugosi involved in Arabic coffee production, Niecy Investments Limited involved in juice production, Commercial African Aquaponics involved in fish farming, Kintu PVC Greenhouses – PVC green house building, Areg-Agro
A total of over 80 business proposals were submitted and independently vetted from which twenty (20) businesses had a chance to vie for the top 10 spots.
BY SAMUEL NABWIISO
