Questions & Answers
What is Kickstart?
Kickstart competition is an exciting youth entrepreneurship programme run by Nile Breweries Ltd. The
programme is aimed at inculcating a culture of entrepreneurship among youth. It does this by
providing intensive business skills training, business development support and providing grants. The
competition is a unique opportunity for Ugandan youth entrepreneurs to develop their entrepreneurial
skills and have an opportunity to better their livelihoods.
Who can enter?
The competition is open to Uganda youth defined by being of the age range 18-35 years old.
What is the competition criterion?
We are looking for young entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35. Their business must be /
demonstrate: • High growth potential in that it can be scalable • Sustainable competitive advantage •
Innovative and creative • The entrepreneur must be / demonstrate: • High entrepreneurial spirit •
Talented and energetic • Strong character with integrity • Able to run the business full-time
How does Nile Breweries Ltd assist?
Nile Breweries (Pty) Ltd gives support to the winning businesses in the form of grants and mentorship
to guide selected entrepreneurs. Grant funding is used to support the winning businesses growth
strategy as well as purchasing the required material needs of the businesses.
When is the opening and closing dates of applications?
Applications are open from 14 July till 25 July 2014.
What is the competition duration?
The competition runs for not less than 12 months, if selected you l stand a chance to win extended
business development support to ensure that your business has a better is guided towards .
Is the training full or part-time?
The training is full-time and we encourage the participating entrepreneur to manage his/her time
effectively to ensure that his/her business does not suffer as a result of their absence. We highly
recommend that he/she puts in place a strong management team that will hold the fort while the
business skills training is attended. It is important for participating entrepreneurs to understand that
time taken to attend this training is an investment and we require maximum cooperation for the sake
of their business’ growth.
Competition Phases
Phase 1: Awareness Campaign, Recruitment and Selection
Various media campaigns will be run nationally in order to create awareness of the KickStart
competition during this phase.
Phase 2: Training
This stage of the programme aims to increase participants’ business skills by taking them through a
robust and intensive business skills training programme that may run over 14 days.
The training will be offered by highly qualified and skilled professionals, delivering relevant, impactful
content and knowledge to all shortlisted entrants.
Once you have completed the training, you will be required to draw up your own business plan.
Phase 3: Business Plan Improvement and Adjudication
During this stage, trainers will help you to finalise your business plan that will be presented to a panel
of adjudicators.
The adjudicators will select the business that best fits criteria to receive the grant capital and tailored
business development support.
During this phase, a maximum of 20 national finalists will be selected around the country.
Phase 4: Selection of winners & Awards
After training and business plan submission winners will be selected from the 20 shortlisted trainees.
An awards ceremony will be held to then celebrate and acknowledge youth entrepreneurship.
Winners of the Kickstart grant win an additional coaching and mentorship that lasts for a period of 1
year. This is intended to provide guidance and sustenance to these fledgling businesses.