Rising Woman winners off to Kenya
Kampala. Ten women in business flew to Nairobi, Kenya, on Wednesday ahead of a training trip two months after they were awarded in the Rising Woman business proposal writing competition.
The women were flagged off by Ms Gudula Naiga Basaza, the chairperson of dfcu Bank women advisory council.
“The competition sought women who want to grow their businesses and have a plan. We promised to train them and apart from that, to take them for an exposure tour where they will do benchmarking on businesses in the region, come back and be our instruments of change,” Ms Basaza said at dfcu bank headquarters.
The Rising Woman initiative, coordinated by Daily Monitor, dfcu and Uganda Investment Authority, recognises, celebrates and promotes a culture of mentorship among businesswomen in Uganda.
“The initiative is looking at increasing competitiveness of women businesses and this is guided by what we have done over the years. We have noted that a number of women have businesses that are not growing so we want to see them grow,” Ms Basaza said.
Networking
The winners will meet businesswomen in Kenya, learn how they run competitive businesses and access several markets in the region.
Ms Basaza urged the women to seize the training opportunity to improve their businesses so that they can contribute to the national economy.
Ms Manuela Pacutho, the founder of The Cradle, a childcare centre, had high expectations for the trip.
“Many businesswomen are busy and most of the time we are looking for someone to mentor us and share their business story. Sometimes that is difficult so this benchmarking trip will show me what I have to do to get to the level I want in terms of having a profitable business,” Ms Pacutho said.
Ms Linnet Akol, the managing director Krystal Ice Limited, envisioned a learning experience as regards managing business challenges.
“I want to know how they deal with competition, how they brand products and package because I am having challenges with that,” Ms Akol said.
Winners
Krystal Ice Limited
The Cradle, childcare centre
Kalaa Mugosi Women Empowerment Ltd
Neicy Investments Ltd
African Aquaponics Community Fish Farmers Coperative Society
Kintu PVC Green Houses
Areg Agro Food (U) Ltd
Mukisa Maize Mill
Batenga Enterprises
Youth Serve Limited
