Maria Gorret quit her government job and started growing mushrooms after her family member got diabetes. She spent 15 years working for Uganda's government before jumping into the agriculture business. The mushrooms she grew at home helped improve her relative's health condition. Maria launched Nature's Essence Ltd during 2022 and focused on vegetable and herb products. Her company puts mushrooms at the center of everything they do.
The dfcu Rising Woman Initiative gave Maria the boost she needed to expand her business. This program started back in 2018 and helps female entrepreneurs across Uganda grow their companies. Maria applied for Season 5 of the competition just one week before the deadline closed. She won the contest and received money to develop her mushroom business further. The judges loved her community-focused approach and authentic presentation style.
People call Maria "Mama Butiko" after her success with the mushroom business. She has traveled to Kenya for trade shows and received recognition from the African Development Bank. Maria teaches other women how to grow mushrooms for extra income and better nutrition. The dfcu Rising Woman program has helped more than 70,000 women since it began seven years ago. Season 7 of the competition continues supporting female business owners across the country.
The dfcu Rising Woman Initiative gave Maria the boost she needed to expand her business. This program started back in 2018 and helps female entrepreneurs across Uganda grow their companies. Maria applied for Season 5 of the competition just one week before the deadline closed. She won the contest and received money to develop her mushroom business further. The judges loved her community-focused approach and authentic presentation style.
People call Maria "Mama Butiko" after her success with the mushroom business. She has traveled to Kenya for trade shows and received recognition from the African Development Bank. Maria teaches other women how to grow mushrooms for extra income and better nutrition. The dfcu Rising Woman program has helped more than 70,000 women since it began seven years ago. Season 7 of the competition continues supporting female business owners across the country.
