Govt Sets Shs107m Ceiling for Women’s Business Grants, Bars GROW Loan Beneficiaries

What the report says

Government is preparing a new grant window for women-owned businesses that missed out on financing under the GROW loan programme, according to Nile Post. The non-repayable awards, called the Business Plan Competition Grant, are intended for 2,626 enterprises nationwide, including at least 767 in refugee-hosting districts. The article says the initiative is meant to give women another route to expand businesses without taking on debt.

Gender, Labour and Social Development Minister Henry Tumukunde outlined the plan on October 8 during a regional orientation meeting at Hotel Riverside in Rukungiri Municipality. He said access to loans had been limited by factors such as financial constraints, tight bank requirements and credit restrictions. Under the proposed structure, micro enterprises could receive between Shs3.5 million and Shs35.69 million, while small enterprises could access between Shs39.259 million and Shs107.07 million.

The grants are meant to support expansion, formalisation, equipment purchases and working capital. Priority will go to innovative businesses, especially those using science, technology, engineering and mathematics, as well as green and climate-resilient activities such as solar energy, irrigation, waste management and agricultural processing. The article also notes possible support for businesses led by persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

Nile Post reported that women who already received GROW loans will not be eligible, and that applications will be submitted online through the project’s website or mobile app. Officials also plan business clinics and public awareness campaigns, while warning applicants to avoid extortion and scam claims. The grant scheme is part of the wider World Bank-supported GROW Project, implemented with the Ministry of Gender and the Private Sector Foundation Uganda.