The NSSF Hi-Innovator Program
The NSSF Hi-Innovator Program is a flagship entrepreneurship support initiative of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Uganda, implemented in partnership with Mastercard Foundation.
The program is designed to identify, nurture, and scale promising Ugandan entrepreneurs and youth-led enterprises through a combination of business training, mentorship, seed financing, and market linkages.
The Hi-Innovator Program empowers early-stage and growth-oriented entrepreneurs to build sustainable and scalable businesses.
Participants benefit from:
- Business development training through the Hi-Innovator Business Academy.
- Seed funding and investment opportunities to support enterprise growth.
- Mentorship and coaching from experienced industry experts.
- Partnerships and market linkages that open doors to new opportunities and networks.
How to Join the Hi-Innovator Program Through CURAD
Enroll in the Hi-Innovator Business Foundational Course through CURAD and gain access to seed funding , expert mentorship to set your business up for lasting success, giving you the skills, guidance, and resources needed to transform your enterprise and achieve sustainable growth.
CURAD’s Role in the Hi-Innovator Program
As one of the implementing partners, the Consortium for Enhancing University Responsiveness to Agribusiness Development (CURAD) leverages its incubation expertise to support agribusiness enterprises under Hi-Innovator. CURAD’s specific contributions include:
Enterprise Selection & Mobilization: Identifying promising agribusiness ventures across Uganda with strong potential for scaling.
Incubation & Capacity Building: Offering tailored incubation services, mentorship, and coaching to strengthen business models, financial management, and market readiness.
Technical Skilling in Agribusiness: Providing specialized training in product development, value addition, compliance, and commercialization for enterprises within key agricultural value chains.
Market Linkages & Partnerships: Connecting incubated enterprises to buyers, distributors, and input suppliers while facilitating participation in expos and trade fairs.
Formalization & Governance Support:
Guiding youth-led enterprises through registration, compliance processes, and the adoption of effective corporate governance structures.
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Impact
Through the Hi-Innovator Program, CURAD has made significant contributions to Uganda’s agribusiness and entrepreneurship ecosystem by:
- Supporting 47 agribusiness entrepreneurs to refine and scale their enterprises, unlocking over USD 940,000 in investment.
- Training 1,224 learners in Business Development Services to enhance entrepreneurial skills and business acumen.
- Facilitating access to seed funding for youth-led enterprises to promote innovation and business growth.
- Promoting enterprise formalization and improving access to finance and structured markets.
- Empowering enterprises across key value chains—including Transport, Health, Agriculture, Energy, Digital Economy, Technology, Light Manufacturing, and Fashion & Beauty
- Strengthening youth employment and enhancing women’s participation in Uganda’s agribusiness ecosystem.
