By Frank Kamuntu | Mr Swift
Minister of State for Gender and Culture Affairs Mary Grace Kuteesa has called on local government leaders in Fort Portal to mobilise eligible women entrepreneurs to benefit from the Government’s GROW Business Plan Competition Grants, which offer non-repayable funding of up to Shs107 million.
Speaking during a regional orientation meeting for local government leaders at Nyaika Hotel in Fort Portal City on October 13, 2026, Kuteesa said the initiative seeks to support women entrepreneurs who were unable to access the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) Loan.
Implemented by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development with support from the World Bank, the GROW Project aims to transform women-owned businesses into competitive and sustainable enterprises capable of creating jobs and contributing to economic growth.
Kuteesa noted that although the GROW Loan had been rolled out across the country, some viable women entrepreneurs failed to secure financing due to banking requirements, credit limitations and other financial constraints.
She said the business plan competition grants provide an alternative opportunity for eligible women to expand their businesses without the burden of repaying the funds.
The programme targets at least 2,626 women-owned enterprises nationwide, including at least 767 businesses in refugee-hosting districts.
Under the funding structure, eligible micro enterprises can receive between Shs3.5 million and Shs35.69 million, while small enterprises can access grants ranging from Shs39.259 million to Shs107.07 million.
Priority areas include science and technology-driven innovation, construction, metal fabrication, solar energy, irrigation, waste management, commercial agribusiness, food processing, health technology and childcare facilities.
Special eligibility provisions will also accommodate businesses operated by women with disabilities, refugees and vulnerable groups, including selected community-based ventures such as poultry rearing, tailoring, catering and food processing.
Kuteesa urged Resident District Commissioners, city mayors, district chairpersons, chief administrative officers, commercial officers and women entrepreneurs’ leaders to intensify grassroots mobilisation and ensure that applicants understand the eligibility requirements.
She emphasised that women who previously benefited from the GROW Loan would not qualify for the grants, which are intended to extend support to entrepreneurs who missed out on the loan facility.
The minister also warned against fraud and extortion, stressing that applications are 100 per cent free and must be submitted digitally through the official GROW Project website or mobile application.
The application window will remain open for 30 calendar days from the official launch date, while business clinics will be organised across sub-regions to guide applicants on business proposals, budgeting and documentation.
Successful projects will be required to run for nine to 12 months and conclude by June 2027.
Kuteesa called for transparency and accountability throughout the selection process, urging local leaders to protect women entrepreneurs from fraudsters and avoid making promises of funding before the selection process is completed.
She said effective collaboration between the national government and local authorities would help ensure that the grants reach deserving women, strengthen enterprises and promote inclusive economic transformation.