Blessing Owomugisha, President of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Alumni Association, said limited access to affordable credit remains one of the biggest obstacles preventing women-led enterprises from expanding.
“The conditions and cost of accessing finance remain a major challenge. Many women-owned businesses are not growing because they lack adequate funding to invest and scale,” she said.
Owomugisha noted that many women operate informally from homes or small retail spaces without registration, licenses or structured teams, restricting their ability to access credit and compete effectively.
“Many have not formalized their enterprises or built teams that would enable them to be competitive,” she explained, adding that women entrepreneurs often struggle to compete with established firms that possess stronger capital bases and market presence.
Despite these challenges, she said government and private sector initiatives are increasingly providing solutions, including financial literacy training, guidance on accessing affordable loans and grants, and support on regulatory compliance.
She highlighted the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs programme, supported by the United States Embassy, which equips women with business management and administrative skills through a three-month remote training course and connects graduates to growth opportunities.
Meanwhile, artisans and women entrepreneurs have been urged to secure exhibition space early for the upcoming International Women’s Day Katale, as vendor slots near capacity.
Claire Nangaja, also known as Mama Ghetto and a representative of Craft Continent, said the platform is partnering in the event to promote women in the art and craft sector and expand market access for underserved communities.
“We have reserved 30 vendor slots, particularly targeting artisans from underserved communities, and the spaces are running out fast. Those interested should book early,” Nangaja said.
She noted that the marketplace will allow vendors to sell products, showcase their work and connect directly with customers, while celebrating women’s enterprise and creativity.
Organizers say the event will combine business exhibitions with entertainment and have encouraged the public — including men — to attend and support women-owned enterprises.
The International Women’s Day Katale will take place at the UMA Show Grounds, where stakeholders aim to link women entrepreneurs to financing, markets and business development support.