First entrepreneurs in the training program
Currently, 10 motivated entrepreneurs are in the process of revising their business plans. These serve as an entry threshold into our training program and are a central component of the BPN philosophy. The applicants are currently receiving individual coaching to further develop their concepts. As soon as the plans are finalized, they are expected to form the first cohort of our program in Uganda.
Branding seminar with Markus Kramer
A seminar is scheduled for mid-March. The topic: branding. The training event will be led by Markus Kramer, branding expert and member of the BPN Foundation Board. After the seminar, a whole day will be reserved for individual coaching sessions with the participants in order to provide targeted support for their brand development. We are expecting around 25 participants in total.
Our CEO, Willi Helbling, will also be on site during this time to get a personal impression of our activities in Uganda and make valuable contacts.
Progress in infrastructure development
Behind the scenes, preparations for the full launch of BPN Uganda are in full swing. The development of our own website is in full swing and should be completed by the end of April. At the same time, a local headhunting agency is working on selecting suitable candidates for our first permanent staff position in Uganda. This person will primarily be responsible for administrative tasks, the recruitment of seminar participants and the development of our local partner network.
We have also already made an important personnel decision: Daniel Matter, previously Country Director of BPN Georgia, will move internally and take over the management of BPN Uganda. Until his successor in Georgia has been found, he will manage both countries in parallel. He will be supported by Yoël Werner, our local project manager, who will coordinate the operational processes in Uganda.
Bureaucratic milestones and first location
A large part of the administrative work is already behind us. Registering BPN Uganda as an international NGO is a lengthy process that we have been working on intensively. All official documents should be officially submitted to the authorities by the end of March.
At the same time, we moved into our first temporary office with an international provider. This location will serve as an initial base for our team until we have found a long-term solution.
Looking ahead
The first steps in Uganda were successful, but there is still a lot of work ahead of us. The coming months will be crucial for expanding our network, attracting more entrepreneurs to our program and consolidating local structures. We look forward to establishing BPN in Uganda in the long term and working together with local entrepreneurs to promote a strong, flourishing economy!
Stay tuned - we will report regularly on our progress!
