Transforming women’s Lives and Businesses: Dfcu launches GROW Initiative, unveils plans to reach customers

Kampala, Uganda, 10th September 2024 – dfcu Bank has on Wednesday announced its role as an implementing partner for the Government of Uganda’s GROW Project, a new initiative dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses, sustaining self-employment, and creating more jobs across the country. This launch further solidifies dfcu Bank’s longstanding commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs through innovative financial solutions, training, and mentorship programs.The GROW Project aims to address the financial and developmental needs of women entrepreneurs, providing them with essential resources to expand their operations and achieve long-term sustainability.

As an implementing partner, dfcu Bank will facilitate the disbursement of funds and provide comprehensive support through its well-established Women in Business (WiB) program, which has been at the forefront of empowering over 85,000 women across Uganda.Speaking at the launch, dfcu Bank’s Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer, Kate Kiiza emphasized the bank’s dedication to supporting women entrepreneurs.

 “dfcu Bank has a rich history of empowering Ugandan women, and today’s launch of the GROW Project is a significant milestone in our journey.”“Our Women in Business program, launched over a decade ago, has transformed the lives of many women entrepreneurs by providing not just financial support, but also the skills, mentorship, and networks needed to thrive. The GROW Project perfectly complements our ongoing efforts and will enable us to extend our impact even further.”Kiiza further noted that the GROW Project provides a holistic approach to women’s entrepreneurship.

“This holistic approach ensures that the women we support are not only equipped with financial resources but also with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to build sustainable and resilient businesses.”Commenting on the initiative, Margaret Karume, the Chief Credit Officer at dfcu Bank committed a fast turnaround time for customers’ financial requests as the Bank executes the project around the country. “By integrating the GROW Project with our dfcu Women in Business Program, we are creating a robust ecosystem that supports every aspect of a woman entrepreneur’s journey,” dfcu Bank Women Business Advisory Council Member, Belinda Namutebi said. 

The GROW Project is expected to have a transformative impact on Uganda’s economy by empowering women entrepreneurs to scale their businesses, create jobs, and contribute to the country’s broader economic growth.

“We are looking forward to working with dfcu Bank as an implementing financial institution to make this project a success. Owing to dfcu Bank’s extensive experience in supporting Ugandan women entrepreneurs and SMEs, we believe that the bank’s involvement will ensure that the project’s impact goes beyond financial support, focusing on real, measurable outcomes such as business expansion, job creation, and the economic empowerment of women,” Paul Nuwagaba, Project Manager, GROW, PSFU, commented.