Everything you need to know before you apply.

Nothing. Applying to Hustle Upgrade is completely free — there is no application fee and no payment at any stage.

Any small or medium business actively operating in Uganda, with identifiable products or services and existing customers, that has no professional website (or an outdated, ineffective one). You must be available for filming and for the website build within the production timeline.

No single deadline. Intake is rolling — the form stays open all season. Businesses are selected per episode from a live pool as production approaches, so applying early keeps you in the running for every upcoming slot.

Basic business details, your story, and a short introductory video (90 seconds or less). You can upload the video or simply share a link (YouTube, Google Drive, or WhatsApp) if uploading is difficult.

Yes. Alongside direct upload, you can submit a link to a video hosted elsewhere. Uploads are resumable and your draft saves as you go, so a dropped connection won't lose your progress.

You'll be asked to submit a 'Digital Readiness' content pack — business profile, product info, prices, photos, testimonials and brand assets — directly through the site. A completeness meter shows you exactly what's still needed.

Selected businesses are featured on NBS Television. Before final selection you'll sign a filming and content-release agreement, which also covers how your website and content are used.

You stay in the live pool. Candidates who aren't chosen for one episode remain eligible for a later, better-fitting slot — or a future season — rather than being discarded.

By email — it's how you sign in and how we send every update. You can also track your status any time in your applicant portal.