The Bold Woman Fund, in partnership with Africalia, is pleased to launch a call for applications for a Business Incubation Programme aimed at strengthening Uganda’s cultural and creative industries (CCIs). This initiative is part of the Multiannual Programme (MAP) 2022–2026, funded by the Belgian Directorate-General for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid (DGD) and rooted in key international and national frameworks that recognise culture as a driver for sustainable human development.

Aligned with the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, the Sustainable Development Goals, and national policies on culture and the arts, the programme aims to empower young Ugandan cultural entrepreneurs through structured business support, mentorship, and skills development.

 

Who can apply:

We are seeking legally registered cultural or creative businesses based in Kampala that:

• Ugandan-based businesses and business owners 

• Are led by individuals aged 18 to 35

• Have existed for at least one year

• Are already generating revenue (not solely grant-dependent)

• Have samples available upon request

• Would benefit from strengthening in business management and growth strategies

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Programme Structure

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1. Selection Phase

15 - 20 cultural and creative businesses will be shortlisted based on eligibility and programme fit. 

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2. Pre-Incubation Phase - 3 Months

Shortlisted candidates will receive:

• Diagnostic assessment of their businesses

• Tailored group and individual coaching

• Training on business fundamentals 

• Introductory modules on the CCI ecosystem and intellectual property (delivered by Africalia)
   

At the end of this phase, 12 finalists will be selected to move forward into the main incubation programme.

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3. Incubation Phase - 9 Months

Selected businesses will benefit from:

• Group training and weekly one-on-one coaching

• Support in implementing business growth strategies

• Specialised modules delivered by Africalia, including:
   

  • Creative mentoring

  • Copyright and IP

  • Fundraising strategy

  • Digital branding and cultural administration
     

• Additional sessions based on participant needs
   

4. Post-Incubation Phase

The programme will conclude with:

• A tailored action plan for each business

• A joint monitoring, evaluation, and capitalisation session with Africalia and the incubator

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Programme Benefits

Participants will graduate with:

• Reinforced business models

• Deepened entrepreneurial skills

• Strategic guidance to build sustainable, resilient enterprises

• Access to national and international expert support

• The opportunity to apply for seed funding to support business growth and implementation of their action plans
   

Apply Now

If you are a committed cultural or creative entrepreneur ready to grow your business and contribute to Uganda’s cultural ecosystem, we invite you to apply.

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Application Deadline: TBC

Application Link: www.theboldwomanfund.com/okuyiiyamukampala

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Suggested Application Questions: 

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SECTION 1: ELIGIBILITY

1. Are you between the ages of 18 and 35?

   • Yes / No
     (If no, applicant is ineligible)

2. Is your business legally registered in Uganda?

   • Yes / No
     (If yes, please upload a copy of your registration certificate)

3. Is your business based in Kampala?

   • Yes / No

4. How long has your business been operational?

   • Less than 1 year

   • 1–2 years

   • 3+ years

5. Is your business currently generating revenue (not solely dependent on grants)?

   • Yes / No
     (If yes, briefly explain your revenue sources)

 

SECTION 2: BUSINESS PROFILE

1. Business Name:
    

2. Describe your business in 100 words or less. What products or services do you offer?
    

3. Which sector of the cultural and creative industries best describes your business?

   • Fashion and Apparel

   • Visual Arts

   • Performing Arts

   • Crafts and Design

   • Digital Media

   • Film and Photography

   • Other (please specify)

4. Upload 2 - 3 samples of your work (images, product shots, or portfolio links).
   (File upload or URL links)

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SECTION 3: PROGRAMME FIT

1. Why do you want to participate in this incubation programme?
   (Paragraph text – 150 words max)

2. What are the top 2 challenges your business is currently facing?
   (Short answer)

3. How do you hope this programme will help address these challenges?
   (Paragraph text)

4. Are you able to commit to participating in the full 12-month programme (including weekly sessions)?

• Yes / No

 

SECTION 4: FUTURE OUTLOOK

1. What is your vision for your business in the next 2 years?
   (Paragraph text – 100 words max)

2. Would you be interested in applying for seed funding to implement your business growth plans after incubation?

• Yes / No / Maybe

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Note: Due to the high volume of applications received, we regret that we will only be able to respond to applicants who are shortlisted for the next phase of the programme. If you do not hear from us by (date TBC), please consider your application unsuccessful. We sincerely appreciate your interest and understanding.