Deadline: Unspecified
The StartHub Africa Market Access Program 2026 is a 12-month business acceleration initiative designed to support young Ugandan micro-entrepreneurs in the food and agro-processing sector. The programme focuses on strengthening business capacity, improving product standards, and enabling structured access to formal retail markets, including supermarkets and distribution chains.
Delivered by StartHub Africa, this initiative is tailored to help youth-led food businesses transition from informal operations into competitive, retail-ready enterprises.
If you are a young food processor seeking structured growth, certification support, and supermarket access, the StartHub Africa Market Access Program 2026 presents a strong opportunity.
About the Programme
This 12-month programme is structured to equip participants with:
- Practical business and financial management skills
- Product quality improvement support
- Certification guidance
- Direct pathways to formal market entry
The programme targets early-stage micro-entrepreneurs producing processed food products and aims to strengthen their ability to meet national standards and retailer requirements.
Programme Objectives
The initiative is designed to:
- Improve business management and financial literacy among youth entrepreneurs
- Support compliance with national food safety and quality standards
- Facilitate access to supermarkets and structured distribution networks
- Strengthen branding, packaging, and customer acquisition strategies
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old
- Operate a processed food business (e.g., honey, peanut butter, dried beans, porridge and similar products)
- Be based in Greater Kampala, Gulu, or Lira in Uganda
- Kampala
- Gulu
- Lira
- Be available to attend in-person 1.5-day regional training sessions
- Demonstrate commitment to growing and formalising their enterprise
What Participants Will Receive
1. Practical Business Training
Selected entrepreneurs will undergo structured training modules covering:
- Pricing strategies
- Profitability analysis
- Bookkeeping and financial management
- Marketing strategies
- Customer acquisition techniques
These sessions are designed to build sustainable business foundations.
2. UNBS Certification Support
Participants will receive guidance on meeting the requirements of the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), including:
- Product testing procedures
- Packaging improvements
- Labelling compliance
- Certification processes
This support is crucial for entering formal retail markets.
3. Market Access & Distribution Support
The programme provides structured pathways into:
- Supermarkets
- Formal retail outlets
- Distribution networks
Entrepreneurs will receive hands-on support to become retail-ready and scale sustainably.
Programme Duration
- 12 months of structured training, mentorship, and market linkage support.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply is 13 March 2026.
Early applications are encouraged due to the competitive selection process.
Why You Should Apply
The StartHub Africa Market Access Program 2026 is ideal for young food processors who want to:
- Formalise their operations
- Achieve national certification
- Improve packaging and branding
- Secure supermarket shelf space
- Scale revenue sustainably
This is more than a training programme — it is a structured pathway to market growth.
Need Help With Your Application?
If you require professional support with proposal drafting, refining, or review, contact us for expert guidance to strengthen your application.
