Economic development is a cornerstone of national progress. For any nation aspiring to achieve sustainable growth, empowering its citizens to innovate, create, and build is non-negotiable. One of the most powerful tools to achieve this is entrepreneurship, a catalyst not just for profit, but for problem-solving, job creation, innovation, and social transformation.
Entrepreneurship is often misunderstood as simply the buying and selling of goods and services. However, true entrepreneurship goes beyond commerce. It is the creative process of identifying problems, developing innovative solutions, and building systems that add value to society. It includes risk-taking, critical thinking, and leadership that turns ideas into scalable, impact ventures.
From creating new markets to solving complex social challenges, entrepreneurs are the architects of change and progress.
According to North One, there are approximately 582 million entrepreneurs globally, spanning developed, developing, and underdeveloped regions. This surge is driven by a range of factors: the pursuit of financial independence, exposure to entrepreneurial role models like Steve Jobs, the rise of remote and digital work, and a growing passion to make a difference.
In developed countries, access to funding, digital infrastructure, and supportive policies make it easier to launch a business. In contrast, in underserved communities, entrepreneurship is often the only path to survival and self-sufficiency.
Despite this growth, entrepreneurs face steep challenges. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Guidant Financial show that 20% of new businesses fail in their first year, and 50% within the first five years. The leading cause? A lack of market need for their product or service. Other barriers include:
– Limited access to capital and technical knowledge
– Complex regulatory environments
– Difficulty building the right teams
– Uncertainty due to technological disruptions like AI
In response to these challenges, United People Global (UPG) launched #UPGBiashara, a global initiative designed to support aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs aged 18 and above with the tools they need to launch, sustain, and grow their ventures.
UPG Biashara recognises that entrepreneurs are the future of resilient economies, and aims to mediate their journey by:
– Providing practical training
– Offering mentorship from experienced business leaders
– Supporting high-potential ventures with funding and micro-grants
Since its inception, UPG Biashara has empowered over 1,000 entrepreneurs across the globe, equipping them with the mindset, skill set, and resources needed to thrive.
The word “Biashara” is Swahili for Business, Trade, or Commerce, which perfectly encapsulates the mission of the program: to help entrepreneurs build ventures that are both impact-driven and commercially viable.
The program runs a 6-week intensive training, covering essential topics such as:
– Financial Management
– Customer Relations
– Marketing and Branding
– Board and Governance
– Pitching and Fundraising
– The Life Cycle of a Business: Why Businesses Die
After training, participants pitch their ventures in Pitch Festivals, receiving valuable feedback, support, and opportunities for funding and mentorship.
The next application window opens from 1st September 2025 to 31st December 2025.
1. Visit the official UPG Biashara website.
2. Click the “Apply” button.
3. Complete and submit the application form.
4. Check your email for confirmation.
5. Follow UPG on social media for updates.
Ready to change the world, one business at a time?
Get ready to apply for UPG Biashara and start your journey toward building a resilient, impactful business today.
