In Mukono, Uganda, Sarah Nakimuli’s tailoring shop stands as a testament to the power of women’s entrepreneurship. Since the launch of the Generating Growth Opportunities adn productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) Project in March 2023 by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Sarah has transformed her small business into a thriving enterprise. She now employs six women and serves clients throughout the district, proving how targeted support can empower women and boost local economies.

The GROW Project, backed by a $217 million World Bank grant, is executed by Uganda’s Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social Development (MoGLSD) and the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU). It tackles obstacles that women encounter when trying to expand their businesses, including limited access to capital, insufficient business skills, and restrictive social norms. The project offers training, mentorship, grants, and low-interest loans to women-owned micro and small enterprises in all districts, cities, and municipalities across Uganda.

sarah, a 34-year-old mother of three, launched her tailoring business in 2019 with just one sewing machine and a vision to support her family. Despite her talent and determination, progress was slow.”I struggled to afford quality materials or hire help,” she recalls. “Customers loved my designs,but I couldn’t meet demand.” Societal expectations also presented hurdles, with some questioning her ability to manage a business as a woman. In 2023, Sarah discovered the GROW project thru a Women entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) in Mukono, a local network connecting female entrepreneurs with resources.

Through the WEP, Sarah participated in the GROW Project’s free, ten-module training program, which covered essential skills such as business management, financial literacy, and digital marketing.

“The training opened my eyes,” she says. “I learned how to keep proper records, price my products competitively, and even market online.” The program also addressed gender stereotypes, helping Sarah confidently navigate societal pressures. She engaged in community dialogues facilitated by GROW, were men and women discussed ways to support female entrepreneurs, creating a more inclusive habitat for her business.

Inspired by her new knowledge, Sarah applied for a GROW loan through Centenary Bank, one of six participating financial institutions offering loans at a maximum interest rate of 10% per year. With flexible collateral requirements, including movable assets like her sewing machines, she secured a UGX 10 million loan in early 2024. “The process was straightforward, and there were no hidden fees,” she notes. The loan allowed her to purchase advanced sewing equipment, bulk fabric, and hire additional staff, significantly increasing her production capacity.

Sarah also competed for and won a GROW grant for innovative businesses, awarded through a publicized, competitive process. The grant funded a small workspace expansion, enabling her to create a dedicated area for training apprentices. Through GROW’s work placement program, she connected with a master tailor who mentored her on advanced techniques, further improving the quality of her designs. “The mentorship was invaluable,” sarah says. “It gave me the skills to compete in bigger markets.”

Her business now supplies uniforms to schools and has tapped into the growing demand for locally made, eco-friendly fashion. Sarah’s enterprise aligns with GROW’s priority sectors, particularly manufacturing, and adheres to the project’s environmental and social standards, ensuring lasting growth. “I’m not just running a business; I’m creating jobs and inspiring othre women,” she says proudly.

The GROW Project’s inclusive approach also supports women from marginalized groups, such as refugees and ethnic minorities like the Batwa and Ik. While Sarah is not part of these groups, she values the project’s outreach to diverse communities, noting that it promotes unity and shared progress. The project’s emphasis on networking through WEPs has also connected her with other female entrepreneurs, fostering a supportive ecosystem for sharing ideas and resources.

Sarah’s success has had a widespread impact. Her employees, all women, have achieved financial independence, and her business contributes to the local economy. men in her community, engaged through GROW’s community dialogues, now support her efforts, challenging outdated norms. “My husband is my biggest supporter now,” she says with a smile. “He sees how my business benefits our family and community.”

As the GROW Project continues to empower women across Uganda, stories like Sarah’s demonstrate its transformative impact. With plans to expand into Kampala’s markets and explore export opportunities through GROW’s trade facilitation services, Sarah is set for even greater success. “The GROW Project didn’t just give me funds; it gave me confidence, skills, and a network to dream bigger,” she says.

For women like Sarah, the GROW Project is more than just a financial boost-it’s a lifeline to economic empowerment, breaking down barriers and building a brighter future for female entrepreneurs in uganda. To learn more or apply, women can contact their local GROW Focal Point Officer or visit the GROW website for application details.