More than 40 Business Development Service (BDS) providers from across Uganda have been equipped with the knowledge and tools to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in accessing finance through the MSME Financing Gateway, following a hands-on onboarding session organized by the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) in partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC).
Held at Protea Hotel Naguru Skyz, on Tuesday 3rd March, the session focused on strengthening the role of BDS providers within Uganda’s enterprise support ecosystem by introducing them to the digital platform designed to connect MSMEs to financial institutions, tailored financing products, and essential business advisory services.
The MSME Financing Gateway serves as a centralized platform that helps address the persistent financing gap faced by small businesses by improving their visibility to lenders while linking them to the support services needed to become investment-ready.
During the training, participants were taken through the platform’s functionality, including the registration process, navigation of its features, and how BDS providers can support enterprises to use the system effectively.
Facilitating the session, PSFU’s Manager for Member Services, Ronny Mulongo, noted that BDS providers are critical in preparing businesses to meet the requirements needed to secure financing.
“The Gateway simplifies the journey for MSMEs seeking finance, but equally important are the BDS providers who help enterprises strengthen their systems, improve record keeping, and become bankable,” Mulongo said.
He also assured participants that the platform has been built with strong data protection safeguards to ensure the safety and confidentiality of user information.
PSFU Outreach Manager Florence Mambea emphasized that the Gateway also offers BDS providers an opportunity to increase their visibility within the enterprise support ecosystem.
“The platform allows BDS providers to showcase their expertise and connect with businesses that require advisory services before accessing finance,” she explained. “This strengthens collaboration among ecosystem players and improves support for MSMEs.”
Representing the International Trade Centre, Ms. Juliet Musoke, International Coordinator for the EU-MARKUP II Programme funded by the European Union, reaffirmed ITC’s commitment to providing continuous technical support to ensure effective use of the platform.
“Our goal is to ensure that BDS providers fully leverage the Gateway to help MSMEs unlock financing opportunities,” Musoke said, noting that the programme will continue supporting users of the platform beyond the onboarding stage.
The MSME Financing Gateway is part of broader efforts to enhance financial inclusion and build a more responsive business support environment in Uganda.
By integrating BDS providers into the system, stakeholders believe the initiative will improve coordination, strengthen enterprise readiness, and ultimately expand access to finance for small businesses.
The onboarding marks another step toward building a digitally connected ecosystem that supports the growth and resilience of Uganda’s MSMEs.
 providers from across Uganda have been equipped with the knowledge and tools to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in accessing finance through the MSME Financing Gateway, following a hands-on onboarding session organized by the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU)){kind=link}