Programming | Entrepreneurship and Business Development
At Solidlinks Initiative for Development, we recognize business as a key driver of economic growth and a vital contributor to inclusive, sustainable development. Our approach to fostering entrepreneurship and business development is threefold: promoting skills and entrepreneurship among young people, especially women; improving the business environment in both rural and urban communities where the majority of Uganda’s youth reside; and structuring value chains to enhance investments and youth involvement in the private sector. Our goal is to tackle social and economic inequalities that are prevalent among young people across the country.
- Small Business Support and Development
We provide targeted training for starting and managing small businesses, focusing on rural community settings. This training includes business record keeping, customer management, long-term business planning, business registration, tax compliance, and exploring financing options. Additionally, we offer seed capital to small enterprises to support their growth. Our programs target young people throughout the community, equipping them with the foundational skills to thrive in their entrepreneurial ventures. - Skilling and Mentorship
We prioritize developing demand-driven, marketable skills that open doors to employment and entrepreneurship. Recognizing the diverse responsibilities of young people—many of whom are parents—we adopt an apprenticeship approach, allowing them to gain skills without disrupting their routines. Beyond skilling, we provide mentorship and coaching in advanced management and operational skills, ensuring the sustainability of their enterprises. Our support extends further by connecting young entrepreneurs with financial institutions, enabling them to access the funds needed for business growth. - Strengthening Market Functionality
We collaborate with institutions, government bodies, and development partners to enhance market services for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Our efforts focus on increasing access to finance, building linkages with business support organizations, and connecting young entrepreneurs with government programs that foster youth and women’s development. We also work to improve public policy implementation by offering technical assistance and capacity-building, helping catalyse reforms that attract investments to the communities we serve.