At just 26 years old, Mercy Chepkurui, a SAYE project participant and incubatee at CURAD, is already making waves in Uganda’s food industry. Hailing from Jinja District, Mercy is the founder of Goldensip Composite Porridge Flour, a nutritious blend made from soya, millet, rice, and milk.
Her product not only addresses malnutrition but also creates employment opportunities for young people and supporting local farmers.
A Vision for Nutrition and Empowerment
Mercy’s entrepreneurial journey was sparked by a deep desire to combat malnutrition and improve food security in her community.
“I realised there was a need for nutritious food products that are accessible and affordable. I wanted to create something that not only nourishes but also supports local agriculture,” Mercy explains.
Her vision is to provide essential nutrients while simultaneously uplifting the local economy by sourcing raw materials directly from farmers.
“By working with local farmers, we are not just growing a business; we are building a sustainable community,” she adds.
The Life-Changing Opportunity: Joining the SAYE Project
Mercy’s path to success began with a chance encounter. She first heard about the SAYE Project through a friend who was listening to Radio City FM Jinja. Knowing Mercy’s passion for entrepreneurship, her friend encouraged her to join the project, leading to a life-changing opportunity.
“That moment changed everything for me,” Mercy reflects. “The SAYE Project gave me the platform I needed to grow and expand my vision.”
Accelerating Growth Through Incubation
In November 2024, Mercy took a bold step by joining the SAYE Project under CURAD’s incubation pathway, a decision that significantly accelerated her entrepreneurial journey. Through the program, she participated in an idea refinement bootcamp, received product development support, and gained invaluable training in packaging, branding, and financial literacy.
“Through Incubation, I refined my idea and got the necessary skills to bring Goldensip to life,” Mercy shares.
A Day in the Life of an Entrepreneur
Mercy’s daily operations are a blend of sourcing, production, and marketing. She works closely with local farmers to procure millet, soya, rice, and milk, which she processes at CURAD’s Incubation Park in Namanve.
The final product is packaged and distributed to her growing customer base, which includes pregnant women, mothers, babies, and health-conscious individuals. “I love knowing that every bag of Goldensip is making a difference in someone’s health and supporting local farmers,” Mercy says with pride.
Overcoming Challenges and Seizing Opportunities
Breaking into a competitive market dominated by larger companies has been a major challenge. Additionally, Mercy’s lack of Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) certification has limited her ability to supply major supermarkets.
Despite these hurdles, the SAYE Project has opened doors for Mercy, providing networking opportunities, access to production facilities, and technical support that have been instrumental in her growth.
“The SAYE project has shown me that even small businesses like mine can stand out if we focus on quality and community impact,” Mercy reflects.
Impact
Thanks to the SAYE Project, Mercy has made remarkable strides in her entrepreneurial journey. She has successfully transformed her idea into a fully operational business, marking a significant milestone in her path to success.
Beyond just establishing a business, Mercy has created employment opportunities, offering jobs in sales and transportation through boda boda services. This not only contributes to job creation but also uplifts the community’s economy. Her efforts have also led to tangible improvements in food security and nutrition, with her business providing essential resources to those in need.
A Bright Future Ahead
Looking ahead, Mercy has ambitious plans to scale up her business. She envisions securing UNBS certification to access larger markets, establishing her own production facility in the Busoga region, and expanding employment opportunities for youth.
“I want Goldensip to be a household name in composite flour production and continue supporting local farmers by sourcing raw materials from them,” she shares.
Her ultimate goal is clear: to become a leading brand in Uganda’s food industry while creating a lasting impact.Shaping the Future of Food Security
With determination and the right support system, Mercy Chepkurui is not just building a business—she is nourishing lives and shaping the future of food security in Uganda.
