Winfred Arinaitwe in her work space
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I In Kampala, Winfred Arinaitwe, founder of WinFash Designs, has turned her once modest tailoring venture into a thriving garment manufacturing enterprise, thanks to the timely support of a GROW loan.
Starting out in 1994 with a single sewing machine, Arinaitwe built her business from the ground up, initially focusing on custom bridal wear. Over time, she nurtured the enterprise into a steady operation. However, like many growing businesses, limited access to affordable financing slowed her ability to expand and compete for larger contracts.
Her breakthrough came when she accessed a GROW Loan from DFCU Bank at an interest rate of just 10 percent. The affordable financing enabled her to strengthen operations, invest in production capacity, and position the company to serve corporate and institutional clients.
This shift marked a turning point. WinFash Designs expanded its product line to include uniforms, overalls, and protective garments, supported by a scalable production model. Today, the company employs more than 100 workers, significantly contributing to job creation.
Arinaitwe also benefited from digitalisation support under the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) Project—a Government of Uganda initiative funded by the World Bank. Through this support, she developed a professional website, adopted a digital accounting system, and enhanced her marketing through professional content creation.
These innovations have improved efficiency, boosted visibility, and strengthened customer engagement, enabling the business to compete in a modern marketplace.
With a strong commitment to women’s empowerment, Arinaitwe continues to create employment opportunities and inspire other female entrepreneurs. Her journey highlights how access to affordable credit, combined with digital tools and training, can transform small businesses into competitive and impactful enterprises.
