YEAH!
We are on a mission to train young people in the region of Mbarara to become the next generation of successful entrepreneurs!
Our sponsors
We cannot achieve our goals without the much appreciated support of our main partners
Province of West-Flanders, Belgium
MUST University of Science and Technology
Mbarara
MUST-IUC project
"University as Facilitator Community Based Sustainable Solutions to Demographic Challenges in South Western Uganda"
Sparking Innovation in Uganda: YEAH!
In the heart of Mbarara, Uganda, an exciting collaboration is taking shape. Howest University of Applied Sciences from Belgium and Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) are joining forces to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit in the region. This partnership is not just about fostering business skills, but about creating a vibrant ecosystem where innovation and enterprise can thrive. Here’s a closer look at this transformative initiative.
Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
At the core of this collaboration are the Entrepreneurship Weeks, an intensive program designed to equip students and young people with essential entrepreneurial skills. For a week, participants dive into a hands-on curriculum that covers everything from ideation and business planning to marketing and financial management. This immersive experience is tailored to turn innovative ideas into viable business ventures.
The Entrepreneurship Weeks are more than just a training program; they are a catalyst for change. By focusing on practical skills and real-world applications, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and the dynamic demands of the business world. Students emerge from this week with not only enhanced skills but also a renewed sense of confidence and purpose.
Learn about upcoming bootcamps
A Hub for Innovation: The YEAH! Centre
Complementing the training weeks is the establishment of the YEAH! Centre (Youth Entrepreneurship Academic Hub) at the MUST campus. This centre is poised to become the beating heart of entrepreneurial activity in Mbarara. It offers a dedicated space where startups and scaleups can find a nurturing environment to grow and flourish.
The YEAH! Centre is designed to be more than just an office space. It will host a variety of inspiration sessions, workshops, and networking events, providing continuous learning opportunities for budding entrepreneurs. These sessions will feature successful business leaders, industry experts, and seasoned entrepreneurs who will share their insights and experiences, sparking new ideas and strategies among participants.
Find out more about the incubation centre
Guiding the Path to Success
One of the standout features of this initiative is the emphasis on mentorship. The YEAH! Centre will house experienced coaches who will be available to guide students on their journey to building successful companies. These mentors bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience, offering personalized advice and support tailored to each entrepreneur's unique challenges and opportunities.
By providing this level of mentorship, the initiative ensures that young entrepreneurs are not navigating the often-turbulent waters of startup life alone. Instead, they have access to a support system that can help them avoid common pitfalls and accelerate their path to success.
Find out more about the Team
A Vision for the Future
The collaboration between Howest and MUST is a testament to the power of international partnerships in driving local development. By pooling resources, expertise, and networks, these institutions are creating a sustainable model for entrepreneurship that can have a lasting impact on the region.
The ultimate goal is to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in Mbarara, empowering local youth to become job creators rather than job seekers. This initiative not only aims to boost the local economy but also to inspire a new generation of leaders who can drive positive change in their communities.
In
conclusion, the Entrepreneurship Weeks and the new YEAH! Centre represent a
significant leap forward for Mbarara. With the combined efforts of Howest and
MUST, a new wave of entrepreneurial talent is being cultivated, poised to
transform the region’s economic landscape. As these young entrepreneurs step
forward with fresh ideas and bold ambitions, the future of Mbarara looks
brighter than ever.
MUST/IUC UCoBS subproject 5
MUST/IUC UCoBS subproject 5 is a project under University as a Facilitator for Community based Sustainable Solutions to Demographic Challenges in South West Uganda (UCoBS) with a goal;" increased Youth Employability through Skilling, Innovation, and Experiential Learning & Technology Transfer".
Sub-project 5 strengthens the capacity of the university through
the development of training on entrepreneurship and through the strengthening
the Centre of Innovations and Technology Transfer and this done through trainings
structured as Entrepreneurship Boot camps
The project reaches to the youth through the university or through organizations specialized on youth and youth unemployment in the community
THE VIBES
The Vibes team, who provide cleaning services, participated in the MUST/IUC UCoBS subproject 5 in August,2023.
The team cleans apartments, motels, vehicles, saloons, water tanks, marketplaces, and compounds. They also do laundry.
The Vibes
launched a successful cleaning company in Kaberebere, showcasing the transformative impact of entrepreneurship education and dedication to community-driven initiatives after the boot camp training
TEAM PREMIUM
In the Kaberebere town council's Isingiro District, Team Premium is cultivating maize. They participated in an August entrepreneurial boot camp hosted by MUST/IUC UCoBS Sub project 5 in the vicinity of their home.
After receiving 50,000 as a challenge to launch a business, they sold fertilizer and planting seeds, generating a profit of 450,000 Ugandan Shillings.
Team Premium didn't stop there after the boot camp; instead, they hired land and carried on, beginning with a maize farm that is in their village.
Transforming Vision into Impact: Daphine Akampurira's Success Story from the MUST-IUC Entrepreneurship Bootcamp"
In February 2024, Daphine Akampurira joined the MUST-IUC Project’s Entrepreneurship Bootcamp under Subproject 5. With a desire to uplift youth and women in her community, she set out to gain skills in organizing, marketing, and pitching. The bootcamp offered her precisely what she needed, providing valuable insights that helped transform her vision into reality.
With these new skills, Daphine pitched her business idea and secured a $7,000 grant to launch Give A Skill Uganda. Her enterprise is dedicated to training youth and women in entrepreneurship by teaching them how to utilize the resources around them to generate income. Through this initiative, Daphine is creating a pathway for others mostly women to achieve financial independence and success.
On September 20, 2024, Daphine officially launched Give A Skill Uganda, marking a significant milestone in her entrepreneurial journey. On the same day, she celebrated the graduation of 16 women who had completed the program. These women received certificates and left equipped with practical skills to embark on their own entrepreneurial ventures, embodying the mission of her organization.
Reflecting on her experience, Daphine recognizes the vital role the MUST-IUC Entrepreneurship Bootcamp played in her success. “Joining the bootcamp was a great turnaround for me,” she shares. “It provided me with the tools and confidence to pursue my dreams. I hope more opportunities like this will be available to the youth, so they can change their mindsets and create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.”
Daphine’s story highlights the power of mentorship and skill-building in transforming lives and driving social change. Her journey is a shining example of how programs like the MUST-IUC Project can unlock potential and empower others to create a lasting impact.