Equity Bank Uganda is strengthening support for small businesses by equipping salon owners with financial knowledge, business management skills and access to affordable financing. Through a specialised seminar held at Pope Paul Memorial Centre in Lubaga, the bank brought together more than 200 salon operators determined to expand their businesses and improve their financial stability.Among the participants was Jessica Muteteri, whose business had faced serious financial challenges before receiving a Shs5 million loan from Equity Bank. She said the funding enabled her to recover from mounting rent arrears, utility bills and operational expenses, giving her business a fresh start. Inspired by her experience, she encouraged fellow salon owners from different parts of Kampala to attend the seminar and learn how they could also grow their enterprises.
The training was organised by Equity Bank’s Commercial Department through its Micro Business segment in partnership with the Federation of Uganda Salons and Beauty Professionals Association (FUSPRO). The programme focused on helping salon owners improve financial management, strengthen their businesses and take advantage of opportunities available within the formal financial sector.FUSPRO Chief Executive Officer Celestine Kamanyire urged salon operators to embrace financial literacy, proper business management and professionalism. He said many entrepreneurs possess technical skills but often struggle because they lack knowledge in budgeting, record keeping, savings and long-term business planning. Strengthening these areas, he noted, would help the sector become more competitive and sustainable.Equity Bank’s Head of Micro Business, Bob Paul Lusembo, guided participants on practical ways to manage their finances, maintain proper records, save consistently and access suitable loan products. He also introduced specialised financing options, including Equi-Mama, which supports women entrepreneurs seeking to expand their businesses.
The seminar also inspired business owners such as Esther Namutebi, who said frequent power outages had affected her salon’s operations. After attending the training, she expressed confidence that she now understood how to access financing for a generator and additional equipment while ensuring that borrowed funds are invested wisely to generate sustainable returns.Participants were encouraged to formalise their businesses by registering them, obtaining Tax Identification Numbers and operating dedicated business accounts.
The organisers explained that compliance with legal and regulatory requirements improves business credibility and increases opportunities to access financing, partnerships and larger markets.Equity Bank and FUSPRO announced plans to extend similar business empowerment programmes to other regions of Uganda, including Western, Eastern and Northern Uganda. By combining financial support with practical business training, the initiative aims to strengthen Uganda’s beauty industry, create more successful entrepreneurs and promote sustainable growth among thousands of salon owners across the country.
