The UJIMA Business Program turns a spark into a business — in 12 weeks.
Named for Ujima — the Nguzo Saba principle of collective work and responsibility — UJIMA is a 12-week program where girls build a real venture from idea to pitch. Over twelve weeks they learn to research a market, model a budget, brand a product, and defend it in front of a live panel of judges.
One term · 12 weeks
Founders under 18
Ends in a live pitch competition
Our Impact
100 +
business owners launched by students under the age of 18.
12
weeks, idea to pitch
6+
corporate & foundation partners
6-24
ages we serve
Program Partners
Backed by teams who believe in girl-led business
Mentors, judges, and sponsors from across industry help every founder go the distance.
Meet the competitors
The founders behind this term's ventures
Questions, answers, and a whole lot of inspiration — Jennifer opens up about entrepreneurship, growth, and what's next for UJIMA.
The Magic Pen
Founded by Camille
Hand-lettered calligraphy and custom pieces, where ink meets intention.
Stationary
Yummy Bakery
Founded by Gen
Sweet treats with bigger goals — baking with purpose, one batch at a time.
Bakery
Offtrack
by Riley Douglas
A skate-inspired lifestyle brand built by a girl who makes her own path.
Stationary
Those Aesthetics
Founded by Jada
Vision, purpose, and glow-up energy — beauty built on her own terms.
Stationary
Styled by Nay
by Na’kayla
Beauty and confidence, built by her own two hands, one client at a time.
Beauty
Catalinas Makeup
by Catalina
Talent, discipline, and glam — a beauty brand built beat by beat.
Make Up
How you can help
Four ways to power the next class of founders
Pick a role and tell us a little about yourself — we'll follow up with next steps this term. On the live site each card opens a short interest form.
01 · Mentor
Serve as a mentor
Guide a team of girl founders through the term — in person or virtually — sharing real-world experience week to week.
03 · Corporate Sponsor
Corporate Sponsor
Put your organization behind girl-led business with financial backing for the UJIMA Business Program.
02 · Judge
Serve as a judge
Score a pre-practice round to give founders early feedback, or judge the final UJIMA business competition.
04 · In-kind Sponsor
In-kind Sponsor
Donate products, services, space, or expertise to power the UJIMA Business Program each term.
Business Supporters Corner
🎙️ Q&A with Jennifer
Questions, answers, and a whole lot of inspiration — Jennifer opens up about entrepreneurship, growth, and what's next for UJIMA.
🎙️ Business Supporter