How it works

Hustle Upgrade · Season 1

Seven filmed days. One brand-new website.

Behind every episode is a repeatable journey — and a fair, transparent selection process that runs all season long.

The 7-day build journey

What happens during the production week

Day 1

Meet the business

The crew visits the SME, hears the entrepreneur's story, and scopes what the website needs to do.

Day 2

Plan & gather content

Photos, prices, products and services are collected — the raw material for the site.

Day 3

Design

The brand and layout are designed on the Embiro Neo-Brutalist system.

Day 4

Build

Pages, catalogue and features like WhatsApp ordering are assembled.

Day 5

Content & polish

Copy and imagery go in; the site is tuned for mobile and low bandwidth.

Day 6

Review

The owner walks through the site and final adjustments are made.

Day 7

Launch

The website goes live — revealed on national television.

The selection process

How we choose each week’s business — fairly and transparently

1

Call for Entries

Apply online any time during the season — intake is rolling, there's no single deadline.

2

Eligibility screening

We check that you're actively operating in Uganda, have customers, and genuinely need a website.

3

Sector shortlisting

Eligible businesses are grouped by sector so every sector gets fair coverage.

4

Evaluation & scoring

Shortlisted businesses are scored on need, impact, viability, growth, story and readiness.

5

Digital readiness

Shortlisted SMEs submit a content pack — everything needed to build the site.

6

Recorded pitch & verification

The strongest candidates pitch on camera; the team verifies the business.

7

Final joint selection

A joint NBS/Embiro panel picks the primary business per episode — plus a reserve.

Your application stays in the pool all season.

Not chosen for one episode? You remain in the live pool for a later, better-fitting slot — or a future season.