Girl Power: Bridget’s Baking Inspires Us & Other Young Entrepreneurs

When COVID-19 spread across borders, concerns grew for the world’s young people, who were hit hardest by the pandemic’s economic impacts. For many youth navigating an already complex job market, finding a job or starting a business became all the more challenging, and we weren’t sure how young people might respond to such a significant disruption. However, we weren’t surprised to see youth take hold of their futures with optimism, undeterred by the pandemic’s challenges.  

One such young person is Bridget. She is a secondary student from Uganda, and she’s also an ambitious entrepreneur and VIP Bootcamp participant — the intensive mentorship and practical experience component of our distance learning model. 

Bridget has recently started her own business and is now distributing her products to local shops throughout her community. Bridget knows firsthand it’s not easy for girls to picture themselves as business leaders and entrepreneurs, so as she continues to grow her skills, she’s determined to help other girls do the same. “I have inspired so many young girls to start businesses and believe in themselves,” she explains.

We recently caught up with Bridget to learn more about her business and hear how she remains motivated amidst school closures.

How did you react to your school closing? Could you share about your experience?

When schools closed, it was a big change that I was not expecting. I had to learn to be prepared for any situation. I also had to learn to be patient because there was no one telling me right away what to do next. I had to think critically to make decisions for myself. 

What made you want to keep learning when schools closed? 

I had lots of free time, and I wanted to use it in a way that would keep my mind active. I was a Facebook group run by Educate!, and I knew about what Educate! could teach. Also, I love learning new things! 

Can you tell us more about your business? 

I decided to combine my skills, resources, and passion to start baking on a small scale. My mother was aware of what the VIP Bootcamp was teaching, and she encouraged me to use the skills I was learning and apply them to my business. I am now able to supply my products to shops in my community. 

Have you faced any challenges? 

The two biggest challenges I have faced are raising enough capital to make and distribute my products and to convince customers to buy them. However, the skills I have learned in the Bootcamp have helped me to overcome these challenges. For example, I learned a lot about communication skills, which are important for making successful sales, as well as how to make a business model that I could be excited to present to bakeries that I could sell products to.  

Have you had any support with your business? Who has supported you the most? 

My Mentor has supported me and works with me one-on-one to help me practice my skills. He is always asking me what I’ve learned and is challenging me to apply it. My mother has also supported me by encouraging me to put what I learn to good use. 
 

What are your hopes for the future? Do you have any goals for this enterprise?

I love my business, and I want to pursue being an entrepreneur and growing it. In the long term, I hope to use the capital I have generated from this business to start another. 
 

Do you have any advice for other young people or entrepreneurs during this challenging time?

I would like to tell young people that they can start a business even if they don’t have a lot of start-up capital. I would also advise them to join the Bootcamp, believe in themselves, and seek advice from people who have experience — and love what they are doing!