US Consulate in Lagos Announces Application for 2020 Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE)

US Consulate in Lagos Announces Application for 2020 Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE)

The United States Consulate General in Lagos has announced that applications for the 2020 Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), a US Government initiative that supports women entrepreneurs around the world is now open.

This year’s AWE program is scheduled to run from November 2020 to March 2021.

The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) was launched in 2019 and was developed to support the white house led Women’s Global Development and Prosperity (W-GDP) Initiative, which is designed to empower women worldwide to fulfill their economic potential, creating conditions for increased stability, security, and prosperity for all. The target is to reach 50 million women by 2025 by promoting an enabling environment that reduces barriers and facilitates women’s participation in the economy. AWE will augment the existing slate of projects focused on women and economic empowerment. AWE provides women entrepreneurs with the skills, resources, and networks needed to start and scale successful businesses.

To take part in the AWE program this year, 120 female entrepreneurs from across southern Nigeria will be selected to receive virtual and in-person training and mentoring. Also, 20 female returnees will be selected to take part in the program as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation and reintegration plan for returned migrants.

During the intensive program, successful applicants will receive lessons on business management, network with like-minded entrepreneurs and mentors, and learn the practical skills required to create and run successful and sustainable businesses.  

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Speaking on the program, United States consulate acting public affairs officer, Jennifer Foltz, explained that amid the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the global economy, the US Consulate General aims to work with the AWE participants to develop their businesses. She said,”One of the US government’s goals is to promote entrepreneurship worldwide. Through the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs, we are doing just that by giving ambitious business women the skills they need to take their ventures to the next level. For this year’s program, we encourage motivated and self-driven female entrepreneurs to apply.”

AWE is held in partnership with Ascend Studios Foundation. The Chief Executive Officer of Ascend Studios Foundation, Ms. Inya Lawal, said: “We are excited that the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos has partnered with us for the second time to implement this program. With the challenges and opportunities, the COVID-19 pandemic has presented, a lot more women are looking for new ways to pivot their businesses, and AWE is on the lookout for such women.”

Female entrepreneurs interested in participating can apply at no cost by filling out the application form here.

 Application closes on November 8, 2020.