The Bold Woman Fund, in partnership with the British Council and Bold in Africa, is pleased to announce the opening of applications for Creative DNA Africa - Uganda, Cohort 4.

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Creative DNA is a fashion incubator programme designed and delivered by The Bold Woman Fund. The programme supports early-stage fashion entrepreneurs to build sustainable, professional, and growth-ready businesses. ​​​​

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The programme is designed to scale businesses, sharpen core business skills, strengthen professional networks in Uganda and the UK, and provide action-based learning tailored to the realities of operating within the fashion sector. It is specifically structured to support micro, small, and medium enterprises navigating the transition from early traction to the next stage of growth.

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Creative DNA places a strong emphasis on positioning fashion as a viable, professional career path for young people, and as a meaningful contributor to Uganda’s creative economy. The incubator focuses on strengthening both the creative and commercial foundations of women-led fashion businesses.

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The Bold Woman Fund invites female creatives aged 18–35 working across the fashion value chain to apply.

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This cohort will select 10 women fashion entrepreneurs. The programme is fully funded for successful applicants and will be implemented over a six-month period, combining structured learning, mentorship, market exposure, and ecosystem engagement.

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The programme includes:

   •   Weekly training sessions led by industry practitioners and subject-matter experts
   •    Capacity-building focused on business, production, and retail readiness
   •    Market access and showcasing opportunities
   •    Convening of the Creative DNA Alumni Network
   •    Industry and policy conversations engaging key stakeholders

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The core training component runs over eight weeks and focuses on the business side of the fashion industry. Sessions are held once a week, in person, with additional engagements and activities taking place throughout the programme period.

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COURSE CURRICULUM

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The programme focuses on strengthening the commercial foundations of fashion businesses, including:
   •    Business strategy and planning
   •    Brand development and positioning
   •    Marketing and communications
   •    Quality Control 
   •    Sales and retail readiness
   •    Operations and management
   •    Financial systems and pricing
   •    Scaling strategies and growth opportunities​​​​​

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WHO CAN APPLY?

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The programme is open to Ugandan-based women actively working in fashion production who meet the following criteria:
   •    Aged between 18 and 35 years
   •    Actively producing on the African continent
   •    At least one year of practical experience in fashion production, design, or retail
   •    Producing quality products aligned with the Bold in Africa aesthetic
   •    Currently running a fashion business facing challenges in scaling, particularly in accessing markets or strengthening retail performance
   •    Able to present an existing portfolio of work, including photographs
   •    Samples should be available upon request
   •    Applicants do not need to be registered as a formal business
   •    Must be available to attend in-person sessions for the full duration of the training programme

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Please note:
   •    Applicants who have previously participated in Creative DNA or any other programmes delivered under The Bold Woman Fund are not eligible to apply.

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Creative DNA Uganda is delivered by Bold in Africa through The Bold Woman Fund, in partnership with the British Council.

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