MBALE, Uganda (UGNEWSLINE) – At least 767 women-owned businesses in refugee-hosting districts are expected to benefit from the Government of Uganda’s GROW Business Plan Competition Grants, part of a nationwide programme targeting 2,626 enterprises.
The grants, ranging from Shs3.5 million to Shs107.07 million, are intended to help women entrepreneurs expand their businesses, particularly those who failed to access loans under the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) Project.
Speaking during an orientation meeting for local government leaders at Mbale Resort in Mbale City on October 8, 2026, Simon Mulongo, the Minister of State for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, said the grants would provide an alternative source of funding for women whose businesses could not secure loans.
Mulongo said some viable women-owned enterprises had failed to obtain GROW loans because of financial constraints, strict banking requirements and credit limitations.
“The Business Plan Competition Grant provides a direct, non-repayable capital opportunity to finance business expansion,” he said.
He emphasised that the grants are specifically intended for women entrepreneurs who did not receive GROW loans, adding that previous loan beneficiaries would not be eligible to apply.
The GROW Project is implemented by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development with support from the World Bank. It aims to help women-owned businesses transition from small-scale survival operations into sustainable and competitive enterprises.
Under the programme, micro-enterprises employing up to four people, with sales or assets of up to Shs10 million, can receive grants ranging from Shs3.5 million to Shs35.69 million.
Small enterprises employing between five and 49 people, with assets valued between Shs10 million and Shs100 million, are eligible for grants ranging from Shs39.259 million to Shs107.07 million.
The funding will support business expansion, formalisation, the purchase of production equipment and working capital.
Priority sectors include science and technology-driven enterprises, green businesses, climate-resilient ventures, commercial agricultural processing, health technology and childcare facilities for children aged zero to three years.
The programme also provides broader eligibility for women in refugee-hosting districts, persons with disabilities and vulnerable groups. Under these special provisions, eligible applicants can seek funding for businesses such as poultry and goat rearing, food processing, tailoring, childcare, mobile money services and catering.
However, general market vending, basic hair salons, event planning and subsistence farming will not qualify under the standard eligibility criteria outside the designated special provisions.
Mulongo said all funded projects must run for nine to 12 months and be completed by June 2027.
He urged local government leaders, including Resident District Commissioners, district chairpersons, mayors, chief administrative officers, commercial officers and women entrepreneurs’ representatives, to mobilise eligible applicants and explain the selection requirements.
He also called for transparency in the selection process, warning leaders against allowing fraudsters to exploit women seeking funding.
Mulongo stressed that applications for the grants are completely free, cautioning women against paying government officials, consultants or brokers to obtain application forms or secure funding.
Applications will be submitted digitally through the official GROW Project website or its mobile application available on the Google Play Store. The application window will remain open for 30 calendar days from the official launch date.
Business clinics will be organised across sub-regions to help applicants prepare business proposals, budgets and the required documentation.
Applicants will also undergo Credit Reference Bureau checks, financial sanctions reviews, and labour and human rights compliance assessments.
He further urged leaders to report cases of extortion and corruption to the ministry and security authorities.
Mulongo said the success of the programme would depend on transparent implementation and ensuring that the grants reach eligible women entrepreneurs who missed out on the GROW Loan.
He officially opened the regional orientation series, calling on local government leaders to work together to expand women’s entrepreneurship and promote inclusive economic growth across the country.
