NCBA Bank Uganda, under its Business Banking Customer Value Proposition (sCVP), in partnership with MAT Abacus Business School, has officially flagged off the NCBA Enterprise Development Program, a one-year initiative designed to equip all NCBA SME customers with the knowledge, practical skills, mentorship and support needed to strengthen their businesses and achieve sustainable growth.
The program was officially flagged off at Fairway Hotel in Kampala, on 20 August, with 50 SMEs participating in the inaugural cohort.
The flag off was attended by NCBA Bank Uganda Chief Executive Officer, Mark Muyobo, alongside Isaiah Kizito, MAT Abacus Executive Programs Coordinator, and participating businesses.
The Enterprise Development Program is structured as a year-long journey that takes participating businesses through several stages, beginning with business gap analysis and diagnosis, followed by selection and onboarding, practical core workshops, coaching and business clinics, graduation and continued alumni support.
Through the program, SMEs will receive practical support in areas including business planning, financial management and other critical capabilities required to strengthen their operations and become more bank-ready. Participants will also benefit from one-on-one and group coaching designed to help them translate the knowledge gained into practical actions and measurable business progress.
Upon completion, participants will graduate from the program with continued access to an alumni network, mentorship opportunities and potential access to NCBA’s financial solutions to support their next phase of growth.
Speaking at the event, Muyobo, said: “At NCBA, we believe that supporting SMEs goes beyond providing access to finance. It is about helping business owners build the capabilities, structures and confidence required to grow sustainable enterprises. This partnership with MAT Abacus allows us to take a more holistic approach by walking alongside entrepreneurs throughout their growth journey. We are excited to welcome the first 50 businesses into the program and look forward to seeing them translate this experience into stronger, more resilient and bank-ready businesses.”
On his part, Kizito noted that, “We are delighted to partner with NCBA to equip SMEs with practical tools, knowledge and mentorship for real business growth. The program will be tailored to each business, meeting entrepreneurs at their current stage and supporting them throughout their growth journey to build stronger, more sustainable and bank-ready businesses.”
The program reflects NCBA’s commitment to supporting the growth of Uganda’s private sector by addressing some of the key challenges that SMEs face as they seek to formalise, scale and access opportunities for growth.
The inaugural cohort marks the beginning of a broader program that will support more SMEs over time, creating a growing community of entrepreneurs who can learn from one another, access mentorship and build stronger businesses.
The partnership between NCBA and MAT Abacus brings together NCBA’s expertise in financial services and business support with MAT Abacus’ experience in enterprise development, creating a practical platform through which SMEs can access the tools and guidance needed to move their businesses forward.
As the first cohort begins its journey, the Enterprise Development Program aims to create lasting impact not only by helping individual businesses grow, but also by contributing to a stronger and more resilient SME ecosystem in Uganda.
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