Apply now for the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Program

The U.S. Embassy Kigali Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications to coordinate and execute the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Program. This Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Program will involve conducting a course on Global Entrepreneurship & Sustainable Business, as well as organizing and hosting a regional AWE conference.

The initial component of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Program entails overseeing the traditional DreamBuilder program, which will bring together a group of 30 women for online and in-person meetings to acquire fundamental business skills like strategic planning, marketing, and finance. These women will engage in discussions with local facilitators, business leaders, and U.S. exchange alumni mentors. The DreamBuilder program is expected to last for six months, with one facilitation session per week for 13 weeks, followed by three months of mentoring. The training content will be provided free of charge through the DreamBuilder online platform.

The second component of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Program involves conducting a course as part of the Najafi 100 Million Learners Global Initiative, targeting 15 participants whose businesses are at a more advanced stage. This course will run for six months, utilizing the curriculum of the “Global Entrepreneurship & Sustainable Business” course.

The third component of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Program entails organizing and hosting an AWE conference in Rwanda, which will be a comprehensive two-day event aimed at 80 AWE alumnae.

Objectives – Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Program

• The program will have the following objectives:
  • Objective 1 – Ensure that more women have the skills, capabilities, and resources to fully participate in the economy.
  • Objective 2 – Promote women’s social and economic empowerment.
  • Objective 3 – Continue to build on past AWE cohorts to strengthen the entrepreneurial eco-system in Rwanda for women.

Participants and Audiences – Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Program

• For the DreamBuilder program o fthe Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Program, selection criteria will be based on having a small business or business idea. The target audience will be 30 women aged 25-45 who are starting businesses or have just started one and want to learn how to grow it.
• For the Global Entrepreneurship & Sustainable Business course of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Program, participant selection criteria should be based on type of business, maturity of business, and education level of applicants. This course targets women aged 25 to 45 who have strong computer and internet skills. A bachelor’s degree is required.
• For the conference, selection criteria should be based on graduation from an Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Program, include a mix of participants from prior Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Program cohorts, and have the availability to participant for two full days.

Eligibility Criteria – Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Program

• The following organizations are eligible to apply:
  • Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations.
  • Public and private educational institutions

• The following types of programs are not eligible for funding by the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Program:

  • Programs relating to partisan political activity;
  • For-profit organizations or companies;
  • Individuals;
  • Charitable or development activities;
  • Commercial or trade activities;
  • Construction programs;
  • Programs that support specific religious activities;
  • Fund-raising campaigns;
  • Lobbying for specific legislation or programs;
  • Scientific research;
  • Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization;
  • Professional development for individuals; or
  • Programs that duplicate existing programs.

Funding Information – Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Program

• Total available funding: $32,500
• Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $32,500
• Length of performance period: 6 to 12 months

Application – Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Program

1. For details of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Program and to apply visit the official website
2. Deadline is August 23, 2024