There are two rising and seemingly contradictory narratives within the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and both, though valid in their own right, appear to speak past each other.
On one hand, many assert that there is a growing number of funding opportunities aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs, particularly in the informal sector. On the other hand, another narrative — equally loud in its silence — suggests that while these opportunities exist, they rarely reach the grassroots-level women entrepreneurs who arguably need them most.
The truth lies somewhere in between.
Ecosystem actors and development partners have made deliberate efforts to level the playing field for women-led businesses, especially those in underserved communities. Yet statistics continue to show that women-owned companies in Uganda’s informal sector often struggle to survive, let alone thrive, especially compared to their male counterparts.
So what’s the missing link? Are the resources allocated to women in the informal sector simply not enough? Are the support mechanisms broken?
Or worse, are women not resilient enough to build and sustain successful businesses?
We don’t think so.
From our experience working closely with women entrepreneurs at the grassroots, we have observed a recurring truth: there are indeed numerous opportunities for business growth, and yes, they are accessible. Many of us have heard of, or even witnessed, programs supporting women-led businesses through grants, low-interest loans, and business development initiatives. Some women have even benefited from these interventions.
Yet, sadly, we’ve also observed that many of these businesses either stagnate, decline, or shut down within a short period after receiving support.
Why?
Our informed assessment points to a more often overlooked reality. For many women in the informal sector, the decision to apply for funding is frequently driven by immediate personal financial pressures, rather than a long-term vision for business growth.
Take, for example, a fictional yet deeply relatable character — Maama Naki — a single mother of five. Her first child has been sent home from school due to unpaid fees, and her rent is three months overdue. Then, she hears about Programme X by Partner YZ offering funding or low-interest loans to women entrepreneurs. To Maama Naki, this isn’t just business support — it’s a lifeline. A way to meet urgent personal needs.
The problem is that, without adequate capital, proper financial management, or basic recordkeeping, Maama Naki’s business cannot sustain the pressure of debt or expectations of growth. The funds — often meant for business use — are diverted to address personal emergencies. And soon, the cycle of underperformance, frustration, and eventual business closure begins.
To her, the business has failed. But in reality, what failed was the approach, the mindset, and the lack of foundational preparation before accessing funding.
This is not an isolated incident. Across Uganda, too many similar stories paint a pattern of unmet expectations and missed opportunities.
It’s not that these women lack potential — far from it. But what they lack is early and effective sensitization on financial planning, long-term thinking, and business development. They need structured guidance before funding, not after.
The Flourish Hub Approach
This is precisely why Flourish Hub chose a different path.
Before we recommend any woman-led business for funding or connect them to financial opportunities, we first take them through an intensive three-month mentorship and business development support program. This training covers everything from financial literacy and recordkeeping to investment readiness and strategic planning.
Our belief is simple:
Empower the woman first, and her business will follow.
And the results speak for themselves. Women who’ve gone through our training emerge not just with better businesses but with clearer goals, aligned objectives, and a stronger sense of purpose.
In Conclusion, Funding opportunities are not the problem. Access is no longer the barrier it once was. But preparedness — mental, financial, and emotional — remains the missing link.
If we want to see a real, lasting impact among women entrepreneurs at the grassroots, we must go beyond providing money. We must provide knowledge, mentorship, and support systems that equip them to make the most of every opportunity they receive.
Because when women are ready — truly ready — they don’t just run businesses. They build legacies.