Business Incentive Grants

This project – run by Martin Hayter – improves the lives of our pupils by supporting their mothers/guardians through income generating activities.

The project enables the women (in a sustainable way) to provide for their families and also raises the status of women, who traditionally lack financial independence and therefore a voice in family decision making. They are given basic business and financial training and are then given a one-off grant to start their business... then encouraged to attend weekly support sessions with Martin to ensure the business prospers. As an incentive to keep the business going, they are encouraged to join the Child of Hope savings scheme which helps them to manage any crises they may face.

The women we are working with mainly come from Namatala slum situated on the outskirts of Mbale town, many of whom are internally displaced (IDPs) and have for decades lived on handouts and begging for food on the streets. We are empowering these women to start businesses ranging from selling charcoal and broken rice to running local-style restaurants and produce stalls at the local market... and their lives – and the lives of their children – are changing for the better. It just takes £25 to make a difference in the lives of the households in this remote slum.

Click here to help change a young woman's life by giving an incentive grant of £25 or more.