Supporting our business starters

Rationale and planning

In December 2025 we funded five new businesses, after an open application and interview process. By February 2026, all five were up and running. We are now reviewing each business and providing further investment where it will help them grow and become self-sustaining.

Our five business starters

FKD — egg farmer

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Our initial funding in December 2025 bought F 100 birds, feed, and materials. The business has been a great success: by February 2026 he was collecting about 90 eggs a day and reinvesting his early profits into the farm. F has requested funding for 500 birds in total. We increased his flock to 200 birds in February 2026. We aim to reach 500 birds in about 18 months, proceeding cautiously to make sure the business remains profitable and well-managed before each further expansion.

SA — hairdresser

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S used our funding to rent a container shop for two years and equip her salon. She had already completed a three-year hairdressing apprenticeship and had a loyal set of clients before we funded her. S has requested further funding, and we are discussing with her what changes she could make to attract more customers.

NE — farming supplies

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E sells seeds, fertiliser, herbicides, and pesticides to local farmers. His most popular product is carrot seeds. We have already made a further investment to help him hold more stock when supplies are plentiful and prices are low, improving his margins.

LY — tailor

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L rented a container shop and bought supplies with our initial funding. A friend donated an electric sewing machine, and she also uses a manual machine for her apprentice. By February 2026 she was constantly busy with customers.

MA — tailor

M runs a tailor business in Nsuta that also hosts two of our apprentices. Our funding helped her buy a new electric sewing machine to expand her capacity.

What we propose

We will continue to review all five businesses and provide further funds as appropriate. Our aim is to make each business self-sustaining and profitable for its owner. The total budget for this further support is £4,000.