Uganda’s young innovators working in the green and circular economy now have a programme that is ready to support their growth. The Green and Decent Jobs for Youth initiative has opened its application process for youth-led businesses in Kampala, Wakiso and Mukono. Early-stage entrepreneurs can benefit from practical training, strong mentorship and access to seed funding that can help shape their ideas into solid business ventures. The programme focuses on giving young people the tools to build sustainable companies that create jobs and make a positive environmental impact.
Building Stronger Green Businesses
The programme runs for 24 months and is implemented by StartHub Africa in collaboration with Enabel. It is funded by the European Union and Belgium under the Global Gateway strategy. Its main goal is to help young people turn their early ideas into strong and active businesses that contribute to the green and circular economy.
Selected entrepreneurs receive hands-on training that strengthens their understanding of how to run and grow a sustainable business. They also receive tailored mentorship from industry experts who guide them through important business decisions and help them refine their solutions. Business development support is provided so that each venture becomes more stable and ready to scale. The programme also includes access to seed funding that supports improvements in prototypes, operations and income-generating activities.
A typical applicant falls between 18 and 35 years old and already has a working prototype or a clear proof of concept. The focus is on young innovators who are developing solutions that reduce waste, regenerate natural systems, use energy efficiently or add value through sustainable production.
Training, Coaching and Growth Support
Founders who are selected first take part in a one-week residential Bootcamp. This is an intensive and practical learning space where experts help them improve their business models, understand their finances and strengthen their operations. The Bootcamp is designed to give each young entrepreneur a clearer picture of how to build a business that can grow.
Those who advance to the incubation phase will receive 4.5 months of one-on-one coaching. This coaching is tailored to the needs of each business and helps founders increase revenue, improve market access and build their job creation capacity. It is a focused period where entrepreneurs work closely with coaches to move from early-stage ideas to strong business structures.
After the coaching period, outstanding founders will receive seed grants. These grants are meant to help them push their ventures forward. The funding supports improvements in products, strengthens operations and helps founders expand their income streams. It is direct support for young people who are committed to building a greener future for Uganda.
The programme welcomes young entrepreneurs working in various areas within the green and circular economy. These include renewable energy, eco-building materials, regenerative agriculture, sustainable tourism, aquaculture, horticulture, coffee and cocoa value addition, composting, bio-fertilizer production, repair and reuse, recycling and other eco-friendly solutions.
Applications are open until December 19.
