Women-Owned Businesses Leading the Way in Uganda
2025 is here! How is it that the first quarter of the century is behind us? I hope you had a restful holiday and are energized for the new year!
We are very proud of our women's business and savings groups in Uganda and I love to talk about them. Recently, I was talking to Tim, one of our long-time donors and Legacy Leaders, about their progress. Tim said that our business programs interest him because, as a business owner himself, he sees the potential for financial freedom and sustainability.
Investing in women-owned businesses in rural Uganda is one of the most successful ways that CLP is lifting families out of poverty. We now have seven women's business and savings groups with many members who are able to support their children and send them to school. Florence, pictured above, is making baskets to sell.
Now, we're very excited about a new business venture! A few of our women's business groups are joining together to open a storefront in Kamuli town. The women in the groups live out in the villages and there is no place to sell the beautiful crafts and items they make.
When I met with the women's groups during my recent trip to Uganda, they proposed opening a store location where there would be many more customers. We decided that CLP will provide the start-up funds and then in six months, the store will be self-sustaining.
We're happy to say that the storefront project is starting to take shape! Our women's Kisa Kyamukama weaving group, our girls' vocational center tailoring program, and the women's soap-making group are combining their products to sell at the store.
During November, our team members Annet, Prossy, and Hilda came up with a plan that included a budget and a process for running the store. Then they began looking for a location. Next came the work of securing the storefront, getting a business license, and planning all the fixtures and materials they need to open.
The women have been hard at work weaving, knitting, sewing, and making soap to stock the store. Annet is working with them on all the details they'll need to decide on to be a success.
Making soap, baskets and bags to sell!
They hope to have everything up and running within the next few weeks.
We can't wait to show you their Grand Opening! I'll be posting more pics and updates on Facebook and Instagram for you.
The women are also working on ways to get the info out about their products to some tourist locations.
One of our beliefs is that most people know what they need to succeed and they just need some help to get there. These women are incredibly smart and hardworking and are determined to give their children a better life. This is all possible because of your donations.
Our business and savings groups are helping people live successfully without aid, and that is all because of you!
With Gratitude,
Mary
P.S. Which of our programs interests you the most? I'd love to hear- just reply to this email.
