StartHub Africa Market Access Program 2026 for young Ugandan Entrepreneurs.

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Application Deadline: March 13, 2026

Applications are now open for 2026 StartHub Africa Market Access Program. Market Access is a 12-month initiative implemented by StartHub Africa in partnership with SABAA.education – Bildung für Subsahara Afrika gGmbH, and funded by SCHMITZ STIFTUNGEN through financing by the BMZ.

The project focuses on improving access to formal markets for young small business owners operating in Uganda’s agro-processing and food industry. Through practical business training, certification support, and structured distribution systems, the program helps entrepreneurs transition from informal selling to supplying supermarkets and retail outlets.

Requirements

1. Youth aged 18-35 producing processed food products (e.g., dried beans, porridge, honey, peanut butter)
2. Have businesses in the Greater Kampala, Gulu, or Lira
3. Are micro-entrepreneurs in the food sector
4. Are committed to growing their businesses and accessing formal markets
5. Can attend 1.5-day training sessions in their region

Benefits

Practical Business Training

Access 3 practical training modules. Choose what is most relevant for your business.

• Pricing, Profitability & Bookkeeping
• Packaging & UNBS Standards
• Marketing & Customer Acquisition

UNBS Certification Support

Comprehensive financial and technical assistance to help businesses meet UNBS standards.

• Laboratory Testing Fees
• Packaging Compliance Advisory
• Certificate Issuance Facilitation

Market Access and Distribution

Learn structured pathways connecting producers to formal retail and distribution channels.

• Product listing in market brochures
• Direct Linkages to Supermarkets
• Coordinated Product Distribution

Networking and Business Community

Access a collaborative ecosystem that strengthens peer learning and long-term business growth. Build a strong businesses through shared knowledge and structured support.

• Membership in a 300+ Entrepreneurs
• Active WhatsApp Network
• Regional Peer-to-peer Connections
• Experience & Learning Exchanges
• Continued Advisory from StartHub Africa

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the StartHub Africa Market Access Program