In PART I published earlier, we unveiled 15 unexploited opportunities in Uganda’s trade sector recommended by Uganda Investment Authority. Some ideas can pay back investment money in three months and a profit margin for some ideas is over 90%. In PART II, we bring you more business start-ups that can give you profits in the shortest time possible. Read on!
PLASTIC BRICKS
This business idea is for making and marketing of plastic bricks. This business idea is premised on production of 13,000 plastic bricks per month which translates into 156,000 plastic bricks per year. The revenue potential is estimated at US $ 13,000 per month which translates into US$156,000 per year. The project cost is US$12,743. Plastic bricks making is still a new idea on market, but the bricks are believed to be long lasting for a period of 100 years if used. They are suitable when constructing in wetlands. The idea will also help government and local authorities to reduce on plastic waste and protect the environment.
CROCHETING AND EMBROIDERY
This business idea is for production and marketing of products such as: Sweaters, Sleeveless/ Waist Coats, Shawls Socks, Table Clothes and Embroidery on Caps, Jackets, Shirts, Gifts and more. The business idea is premised on production of various products with a revenue potential of US$ 80,093 per month which translates into US$ 961,116 per year. The project cost is US$ 27,050. The business has a great market demand from Schools, Colleges, Corporate companies, NGOs; Households, Security organs and the various forces for designing and printing their uniforms.
MANUFACTURING ARTISTS’ COLOURS
Introduction Artists’ colours are widely used in many art paintings and designs. They are produced in many forms using different colour material mixtures. The Business Idea is based on the need to explore the existing market especially with the “vocationalisation” of education. An estimated fixed capital of US$14,950 and operating costs of US$50,223, generating revenue of US$97,812 in the first year of operations. The net profit margin is 47% with the payback period of 1 year and 5 months. Market Analysis indicates that the market exists especially in schools, vocational institutions, art galleries, universities and in ordinary craft paintings.
MAKING SHOE POLISH
It is usually a waxy paste or cream used to polish, shine, and water proof or improves and restore the appearance of leather and footwear products. It is used in both liquid and semi solid form. Shoe polish is not only used on footwear but can also be applied to all leather materials including bags, etc. The most prominent type of shoe polish, Kiwi, is imported and this gives local producers a chance to start producing shoe polish. Project capacity is 60,000 kgs annually with revenue estimated at US$98,842 per year. The payback period for this idea is 7 months and the net profit margin of 18%.
Leather footwear is a common product in rural and urban areas and shoe-polish is essential to improving the life and appearance of the footwear. If good quality shoe polish is locally produced, buyers cannot be an issue; what matters will be quality.
MANUFACTURING PRINTING INK
Printing ink is one of the most needed products in the printing industry. Most of the printing ink is imported and this gives an opportunity for any new company to explore the untapped section in the industry. This Idea therefore targets a wide market with an estimated fixed capital of US$ 15,020 and operating costs of US$ 377,663 generating revenue of US$ 561,600 in the first year of operation with the net profit margin of 33%. The payback period for the project is three months.
TOOTH BRUSH PRODUCTION
This business idea is enables the manufacture and marketing of tooth brushes. Toothbrushes are important for safeguarding teeth and cleaning the accessible surface, which helps prevent tooth decay and maintain dental hygiene and freshness. They have a wide market structure especially in urban areas throughout the year and can be made in different shapes and sizes. The business idea is premised on production of 260,000 toothbrushes per month which translates into 3,120,000 tooth brushes per annum and this is on the basis of 312 working days in a year and 8-hour single work shifts in working day. The revenue potential is estimated at US$528,321per month translating into US$6,240,000 per annum with a net profit margin of 92%. Total investment requirement is US$ 27,027 for the first year of project operation.
HERBAL DEODORANT
The idea is to set up a plant that makes liquid deodorant that can be used in kitchens and bathrooms, etc. This business idea is premised on production of 13,000 Deodorants per month which translates into 156,000 Deodorants per year. The revenue potential is estimated at US $ 26,000 per month which translates into US $ 312,000 per year. This project cost is US $ 3,073.
PRODUCTION OF SCHOOL BAGS
The idea is premised on production and marketing of 20,800 bags per month which translates into 249,600 bags per year. The revenue potential is estimated at USD 41,600 per month which translates into USD 499,200 per year. The business has a good market demand throughout the year especially at the beginning of term. This kind of investment can cost about US 122,116 in the first trading year.
AIR FRESHENER
Air fresheners are consumer products that mitigate unpleasant odours within indoor spaces. They can be in form of candles, sprays and gel and can also be used as a deodorant. They are an item that both household and public offices can’t seem to do without. The freshener is also commonly used in both public and home toilets. The production capacity is estimated at 200 pieces per day, monthly production of 5,200 pieces and annual production of 62,400 which yields the TR US$162,240 per year, leading to net profit margin of 27% and payback period of 8 months.
With increasing population and the need for improved living conditions, the demand for air fresheners is also gradually increasing. The growing hygiene consciousness has attracted attention to this product. Hence, there is ready market in urban areas.
PENCILS
A pencil is a writing implement or art medium constructed of a narrow, solid pigment core inside a protective casing. The case provides an external scaffold to protect the structural integrity of the core, and also prevents the pigment from accidentally staining the hand during use. Pencils are widely used in the country in fields like education, carpentry, and artillery work among others, hence creating a big demand for them. The total scale of investment is estimated at US$12,300 where at least 1,872,000 dozens of pencils will be manufactured in a year and this will generate annual revenue of US $ 505,400 in the first of project operation with a net profit margin of 30%.
MAKING DISINFECTANT FLUIDS
A disinfectant is basically an agent, which destroys pathogenic organisms. A good disinfectant should also be a deodorant possessing good shelf qualities and it should be effective against a host of microorganisms. The total project cost is US$ 5,710, with production capacity of 50,000kgs per year with estimated revenue of US$ 250,068 annually with a net profit margin of 7%.
MAKING EXERCISE BOOKS
This business idea is for manufacturing and marketing of exercise books. Exercise books are stationary items required for schools, offices and other purposes. Their market structure and demand is high since they are used by all school pupils from primary to senior four. They are sold in stationary shops, markets, whole sale shops, retail shops and even on the streets. Production Capacity Production capacity depends on the quantity of raw materials used in production process. The business idea is based on three hundred working days, single shift of 8hr.per day. The smallest viable unit can produce 2,000 Exercise books of 96 pages per day, translating into 624,000 Exercise books of 96 pages per annum at a sales Price of US$0.25 each. The revenue potential is estimated at US$ 156,000 per month, translating into US$ 1,872,000 per annum and total investment requirement is US$ 71,390 for the first year of project operation.
MAKING SERVIETTES
A serviette is a small piece of table linen that is used to wipe the mouth and to cover the lap in order to protect clothing when eating. Made out of light absorbent material, napkins are soft to absorb sweat and clean the mouth. The market is constituted by individual consumers, hospitals, restaurants, homes and hotels among others. The business idea aims at production of 2,600 packets of serviettes per month which translates into 31,200 packets annually. The revenue potential is estimated at 11,180 dollars per month, translating into 134,160 dollars per year. The total capital investment for the project is 3,635 dollars. The net profit margin is estimated at 29% with a payback period of 3 months. The Market cuts across Individual consumers, hospitals, restaurants, homes and hotels among others. However, there are many competitors thus the need for exploiting the export market.
COTTON MOSQUITO NETS
This profile envisages the establishment of a plant that will manufacture Cotton mosquito nets based on the production capacity of 450 nets per day. Mosquito nets are a natural alternative to toxic chemical sprays as a method of protection against mosquitoes, moths, sand flies and other insects. The 100% cotton muslin netting provides an enhanced sleeping environment due to its natural fibres and is superior to nylon or polyester mosquito nets. It also allows for a safe and comfortable night’s sleep. The manufacturing process of making mosquito nets goes through cutting the fabric/material according to the required size and design, which is then followed by sewing.
MAKING RUBBER BALLONS
The proposed Business Idea is to set up a plant for making and marketing of rubber balloons. Balloons are colourful rubber items produced in different sizes, patterns, designs, and shapes. Rubber balloons are play materials for children of all age groups and are also used for decorative purposes. They can be marketed through retail outlets, Stationary Shops, Fancy Stores and Gift Shops. This business idea is premised on production of 46800kgs per month which translates into 3900kgs per annum. The revenue potential is estimated at US$120058 per month translating into US$1,440,698 per annum with a sales margin of 5% and a total investment requirement is US$ 9856 for the first year of project operation.
Rubber balloons have a steady demand in the market since they are used in all occasions especially for decorations.
MAKING TOOTHPOWDER
This business idea is for the production and marketing of toothpowder. Tooth powder is healthy for teeth and gums and will leave your mouth feeling super clean and your breath smelling good. Toothpaste simply adds binder agents and water, turning the powder into a paste that has a cleaner feeling and more easily coats the teeth. The TR is estimated at US$62,400per a year with a net profit of 51% and a payback period of 2 years and 5 months. The total investment cost of US$15,555per year. Tooth powder is used in our daily life irrespective of age group. Dental care awareness is increasing all the people’s demand for the paste and powder including the rural masses. As a result, it has a good growing market.
MAKING WIRE NAILS
This business idea is for manufacturing and marketing of wire nails. The nails consist of hard drawn bright mild steel wire with a head, which helps in driving the nail inside. They are made in various sizes. Wire nails are used for roofing, fastening in carpentry and woodwork, fencing, etc. With the rise in construction activities, both commercial and private, the demand for wire nails is bound to increase. Setting up a plant to make wire nails would thus meet this demand. This business idea is premised on manufacturing 769 kilograms of three inch wire nails per day which translates into 239,928 kgms of wire nails per annum. The revenue potential is estimated at US$55,583 per month translating into US$ 667,000 per annum with a sales margin of 33% and total investment requirement of US$ 71,300 for the first year of project operation. The market for wire nails is high throughout the year both in rural and urban areas.
MANUFACTURING LEATHER BELTS
This business idea is for production and marketing of leather belts. Real leather belts are one accessory of apparel made of cowhides or other animal skin. It is a flexible band worn around the waist. A belt supports trousers or other articles of apparel and it serves for style and decoration. Their market structure is high since they are of good quality and they are used by almost all people with trousers and others. The business idea is premised on three hundred working days single shift of 8 hours per day the unit is designed to have production of 1,000 belts per day which translates into 312,000 leather belts per year. The revenue potential is estimated at US$197,600 per month translation into US$2,371,200 per year with a sales margin of 27% with total capital investment requirement of US$67,660 and operational cost of 1,868,893 for the first year of project Operation.
MAKING CARBON PAPER
This business idea is for production and marketing of carbon paper. Carbon paper is paper coated on one side with a layer of a loosely bound dry ink or pigmented coating, usually bound with wax. It is used for making one or more copies simultaneously with the creation of an original document. The total investment requirement is USD1, 620 with an operational cost of USD428, 157 per year, with TRs estimated at US$ 561,600 per year and production capacity estimated at 4 cartons per day, each carton with 100 pieces.
Carbon papers have a steady market. Carbon papers are used in banks, offices, micro-finance institutions, educational institutions therefore there is a huge potential for carbon paper.
ESTABLISHING A WAY-SIDE RESTAURANT
There is high demand for food and beverages in Uganda. Any attempt in establishing a modern restaurant can prove to be a profitable business especially when it’s located in a good area. The establishment of this project requires a total fixed cost of US$16,300, and operating costs of US$ 98676, generating revenue of US$ 242,040 in the first year of operation. The market readily exists as food products are consumed by everybody & combined with outside catering services, the business can be a viable venture.
