BUDS is a scheme that offers financial support in form of cost-share grants to Micro, Small And Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to enable them obtain and use market, technical or financial expertise for purposes of becoming more productive and competitive.

BUDS is a multi donor funded project and part of the Private Sector Foundation Uganda strategy to help the economic and social development of Uganda through strengthening the competitiveness of the private sector.

BUDS aims at increasing the growth and competitiveness of the private sector in Uganda by providing cost share grants and business advisory services to MSMEs, and other private entities to address acquisition of know-how and other barriers that constrain their productivity.

BUDS has been designed to assist private firms, realise the value of obtaining and using Business Development/Support Services (BDS) to improve their performance.

To each qualifying firm, BUDS can reimburse up to a maximum grant amount of US$ 100,000 (approx. Ushs. 180 million) for a broad range of business support services. The grants are paid on a re-imbursement basis of 50% of pre-approved activity costs. This means that a firm will initially pay the full costs and receive a 50% refund upon successful and satisfactory completion of the activity.

To qualify for BUDS support, an applicant must be:
a. A Private Enterprise incorporated in Uganda, enterprises must be operational, in business for at least one year and with existing sales.
Or, highly committed start-ups.
b. Local Consulting firm(s) providing specialised BDS (business consulting) services
c. A Private business association registered in Uganda.

BUDS cost shares on a wide range of consultant related services. Grant support may be sought towards activities that include:
• Enterprise diagnostic (health check)
• Day to day business management
• Financial training and book-keeping
• Preparation of feasibility studies and Business plans for sourcing finances
• Market research, penetration, branding and promotion activities
• Compliance with norms and regulations
• Quality Certification and standards related activities (ISO, HACCP, etc)
• Management information systems
• Short-term business training
• Capacity building for Consultant to improve their services to MSMEs

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Eligible categories and activities

Up to half (50%) the costs of activities agreed upon will be reimbursed to a firm or association for use of a business development services. Using a consultant and other business support services assists in improving the company structure, planning, sales and net revenue performance. These improvements can make a business more attractive to equity partners and to organisations that provide commercial loans.

BUDS will not support capital costs (i.e. equipment and land) working capital recurrent costs (such as salaries and utilities), taxes (such as VAT), expenses, of activities already under way, nor maintenance costs. Note: start-up-businesses do not qualify and enterprises engaged in arms, drugs, tobacco and alcohol do not qualify for support.

Handholding services -BUDS’s officers will give you basic guidance to defining your needs. BUDS will supply you with contract forms to use with your service provider. During the course of your contract with BUDS, an assigned officer will maintain contact with you, provide needed assistance and also guide you on making the reimbursement claims.

Consultant’s database - BUDS officers may upon request recommend from the available consultants database experienced consultants who can work with you on a cost share basis to assist you in developing your proposed activity plans and applications to BUDS.

• Come to BUDS offices or call to make an appointment to discuss your project/activity with a BUDS Officer
• With assistance from the BUDS officer, determine your business situation /need for BDS through a brief business diagnostic
• Determine the best practical activity for your business and for BUDS support
• If you need recommendations for consultants or business services, the BUDS Officer will supply the contacts
• Pick application forms from BUDS offices or click the link "ONLINE FORMS" on the left to download. Remember application forms must be submitted accompanied with a letter of request signed by an authorised person on behalf of the enterprise.
• Submit your fully completed application forms and the required attachments - two weeks before the start of the activity
• Refine the application and budget with the BUDS officer
• Sign an agreement with BUDS
• Carry out your planned activity in accordance with the agreement signed with BUDS
• Prepare and submit your properly documented re-imbursement claim to BUDS
• Receive your reimbursement of 50% of approved, substantiated expenses through your claim