Entrepreneurship

At Mara Foundation, we believe passionately that Africa has a bright future of innovation, prosperity and global relevance. That is why we support young entrepreneurs. We do this in three ways:

1.    Entrepreneur Launchpad, a business mentorship programme in Uganda and Kenya

What it is: we pair emerging entrepreneurs in Uganda and Kenya with top business leaders for six months of mentorship.
How it works: All the mentors are volunteers.
What they say: “I highly appreciate her dedication to this cause, her counsel and the inspiration I derive.” John Mwangi of ScreeNet Technologies Ltd. on his mentor, Mary Kamore.

2.    Mara Launchpad, The Base for Growing Businesses

What it is: an innovation and enterprise centre for young businesses in Kampala, Uganda.
How it works: Mara Launchpad is a fully self-sustaining social enterprise. Entrepreneurs pay a highly affordable fee which covers the costs of operating the centre.
What they say: “After only two months, the Mara Launchpad shared office facility has opened up so many doors.” Isaac Oboth of Media 256.

3.    Mara Launch Uganda Fund

What it is: this is a small-scale venture capital fund for emerging Ugandan entrepreneurs.
How it works: it is a values-led commercial venture operated with two private-sector partners, from which Mara Foundation received a proportion of the profits.
What they say: “our mission is to identify, invest in and nurture Small Growing Businesses so that they will contribute to the overall economic growth of the country.” Peter of Quantum Capital, one of the fund partners.

Read the profiles of some of the entrepreneurs we work with