Now Open: Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Program for Congolese women entrepreneurs

The U.S. Embassy Kinshasa, in collaboration with Groupe Utalii Kwetu, is pleased to invite women entrepreneurs between the ages of 25 and 45, residing in Kinshasa, Kisangani, Lubumbashi, Goma, and Bukavu, to apply for the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program 2023 – the inaugural cohort of AWE in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. AWE is a free entrepreneurship program available in over 100 countries worldwide, aimed at empowering women to grow their businesses.

The AWE training will span six months, consisting of three months of structured training and three months of mentorship and business connections. The program will culminate in a graduation ceremony and pitch session. Successful participants will have the opportunity to access seed capital (specifically for winners of the business plan competition) and further training opportunities at Harvard Business School in the United States and South Africa.

By participating in AWE, entrepreneurs will enhance their knowledge and understanding of various aspects of business, including marketing, finance, and operations. They will also have the chance to meet and network with like-minded women, sharing best practices and receiving support from a team of qualified program staff, facilitators, and mentors.

Eligibility:

– Open to Congolese women entrepreneurs aged 25-45 with an existing business or a strong business plan.
– Participants must have advanced English language skills (both speaking and writing).
– AWE is open to residents of Kinshasa, Kisangani, Lubumbashi, Bukavu, and Goma.
– Participants must commit six hours per week to the program for a duration of six months (January – June 2024).
– Participants should possess basic computer skills and have access to the internet and email.
– All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Training Details:

The training will be conducted both online and in-person at the American Spaces in Kinshasa, Kisangani, Lubumbashi, Bukavu, and Goma, from February 1 to July 31, 2024.

Deadline: December 31st, 2023. For details Please visit the Official Webpage of the AWE RDC Program for further details.