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START Facility – Support to Agricultural Revitalisation & Transformation (Phase II)

UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) in partnership with Uganda Development Bank & Private Sector Foundation Uganda · International Organisation
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Image from UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) in partnership with Uganda Development Bank & Private Sector Foundation Uganda
Image: UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) in partnership with Uganda Development Bank & Private Sector Foundation Uganda · source

Quick answer

Is it real?
Yes. This is a real programme run by UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) in partnership with Uganda Development Bank & Private Sector Foundation Uganda. GrantPilot checked its official page on 27 October 2026.
Status
Open (no fixed deadline, or applications accepted on a rolling basis).
What you can get
UGX 50,000,000 – UGX 900,000,000
Who can apply
Legally registered agribusiness SME (company, cooperative, partnership or sole proprietorship) (see the full list below)
How to apply
Directly to UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) in partnership with Uganda Development Bank & Private Sector Foundation Uganda on their official page (start.go.ug). Applying is free: never pay anyone to apply or to "release" funds.

GrantPilot does not give out this funding; UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) in partnership with Uganda Development Bank & Private Sector Foundation Uganda does. We help you find it, check it is real and get ready to apply.

About this opportunity

Concessional loans from UGX 50m–900m for agribusiness SMEs doing value addition, processing or green tech in Uganda. You need 2+ years trading, UGX 10m–500m turnover, and a project with environmental or social benefit.

A blended‑finance facility that offers concessional loans, technical‑assistance grants and business development services to agribusiness SMEs for value‑addition, processing and green technologies across Uganda.

Who can apply

  • Legally registered agribusiness SME (company, cooperative, partnership or sole proprietorship)
  • Operating for at least 2 years
  • Annual turnover or assets between UGX 10 million and UGX 500 million
  • Employing 2 to 100 people
  • Proposing a green technology or socially inclusive project

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Full eligibility wording from the listing

Legally registered agribusiness SME (company, cooperative, partnership or sole proprietorship) operating ≥2 years, annual turnover/assets UGX 10 m‑500 m, 2‑100 employees, and priority given to women, youth, refugees, PWDs or least‑developed sub‑regions. Must propose a green or socially inclusive project.

Documents you will need

  • Company registration certificate
  • Business plan or project proposal outlining value addition, processing or green technology component
  • Financial statements (last 2 years)
  • Proof of annual turnover or assets within the UGX 10m–500m range
  • Details of current employees
  • Identification documents for proprietor(s) or partners

Missing a business plan or CV? Write one for this funder · Build your CV

How to apply, step by step

  1. Visit the START Facility Application Portal (link available on the official programme page)
  2. Create a new account or sign in if you have one already
  3. Enter your company details and select your organisation type
  4. Complete the application form with your business information, project description, and financial data
  5. Upload required supporting documents
  6. Submit your application through the portal
Save and track it and we will email you 14 days, 7 days, 3 days, 24 hours and on the morning of the deadline.

How applications are selected

The programme assesses applications against eligibility criteria and the strength of your green or socially inclusive project. Priority is given to women-led businesses, youth entrepreneurs, refugee-owned enterprises, persons with disabilities, and businesses in least-developed sub-regions. After submission, you will receive feedback through the portal; successful applicants proceed to finance structuring and receive a customised mix of concessional loans, grants for technical assistance, and other business development support.

What reviewers look for

  • Emphasise the green technology or environmental benefit of your project—this is a core priority
  • Show clear value addition or processing steps in your supply chain, not just primary production
  • If you belong to a priority group (women, youth, refugee, PWD, or operate in a marginal area), state this explicitly
  • Demonstrate 2+ years of stable turnover; lenders want to see you have survived and grown
  • Be realistic about how much loan you need and what you will use it for; vague requests raise red flags

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to be based in Kampala or a major city?

No. The programme explicitly prioritises businesses in least-developed sub-regions, so operating outside the main urban centres may strengthen your application.

Is there a deadline to apply?

The sources do not state a fixed closing date. The facility appears to operate on a rolling basis, so you can typically submit when ready—but contact the programme directly to confirm current windows.

What counts as 'value addition' or 'processing'?

Moving beyond raw produce sales—for example, milling grain, drying fruit, making juice, fermenting vegetables, or packaging. Speak to the programme team if you are unsure whether your activity qualifies.

Can I apply as a sole proprietor, or must I be a registered company?

Sole proprietorship is eligible. You can also apply as a company, cooperative or partnership, provided you are legally registered.

What interest rate will I pay on the loan?

The facility offers both concessional and zero-interest loans. The exact rate depends on your project and risk profile, agreed during finance structuring after your application is approved.

Guide written from the official programme page on 1 November 2026. Funders change their rules, so confirm the details on the official page before you apply.

How GrantPilot can help you apply

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