Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) Project Grant No. 0920-UG
Request for Expressions of Interest for Women Entrepreneurs Work Placement/ Apprenticeship Host Enterprises and Industry Associations Uganda
The Government of the Republic of Uganda has received financing from the World Bank towards the cost of the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) Project, and intends to apply part of the proceeds for work placement/ apprenticeship host enterprises and industry associations.
The Project Development Objective is to increase access to entrepreneurial services that enable women entrepreneurs to grow their enterprises in targeted locations, including host and refugee communities. The Project is being implemented by the Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social Development (MGLSD) jointly with Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU).
One of the key interventions is the Women’s Entrepreneurship Work Placement/Apprenticeship Program, which aims to expand women’s access to work placement/apprenticeship opportunities in high-demand careers, including fields where women are traditionally under represented. This program will support women entrepreneurs and employees through an apprenticeship scheme to enhance their business and operational skills.
The program is expected to benefit 5.000 women nationwide, including at least 950 from refugee-hosting districts. The target beneficiaries include:
• Women entrepreneurs and their employees in micro and small businesses who want to acquire the skills to operate in higher- growth sectors or trades:
• Women who wish to start a business but require business and operational skills; and
• e) Women who want to acquire skills to work for profitable and growing firms.
Eligibility Criteria for Host Enterprises and Industry Associations Eligible enterprises and industry associations are invited to express their interest in offering work placements and hosting apprentices This invitation extends beyond the initial call in March 2024, which focused on Refugee Hosting Districts (RHDs). The current request is for enterprises across the country.
Eligible sectors/trades include:
• Tourism and hospitality (hotels, lodges, restaurants, cafes, catering tour operators, travel agencies, and art and craft);
• Food and agro-processing (beverage production, bakery and confectionery, dairy processing, and snack food production) and commercial farming (dairy, bull fattening pissery poultry, rabbits):
• Leather and tanning:
• Hair dressing and Cosmetology (hair salons and beauty parlors):
• Tailoring and textiles (tailoring sewing and embroidery, fashion design)
• Welding and metal fabrication
• Electrical and electronics (renewable energy, electric
• distribution, electronics repair services, electronics retailers); Construction (plumbing, painting, masonry, plastering roofing tile setting carpentry and joinery)
• Information and Communications Technology (ICT) including digital media:
• Manufacturing:
• Culture and creative industries
• Automobile maintenance and repairs.
• Any other related businesses.
Shortlisting Criteria
• Should be operational in the targeted priority trades mentioned above.
• Demonstrable experience in the relevant industry.
• Possession of adequate, competent, and experienced staff to mentor apprentices
• Possession of adequate infrastructure, facilities, and tools for hands-on learning.
• A good track record of business growth to provide apprentices with successful stories and experiences
• Understanding of Environmental, Gender, and Inclusion policies of the Government of Uganda and the World Bank. Experience in hosting apprentices and other forms of work placements will be an added advantage.
• Support Provided by GROW Project
• The GROW project will cover the costs related to apprentices monthly stipends.
Application Process
Interested Enterprises and Industry Associations that meet the above criteria should complete the Application Form for Registration as Work Placement/Apprenticeship Provider. The form can be filled out online or downloaded from the Ministry website malad.co.us or the GROW Website www.arow.co.us or obtained from the GROW Office at the Ministry. The Completed form may be delivered in person to the GROW Reception on 3d Floor Gender and Labour House, or by mail to growproject@mglad.po.us or by courier services. However, no liability will be accepted for loss or late delivery.
Contact Information
Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development
Gender and Labour House, Plot 2. George Street
PO Box 7136
KAMPALA
Tel: +256 414 347 554
Email: arcariest@malad.so.us
More Information
- Address Kampala, Uganda, East Africa
