AWE is a program supporting the development of women entrepreneurs around the world. AWE’s reach extends across Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and other regions where promoting women’s economic empowerment is a principal U.S policy priority. AWE was developed to support W-GDP, which is designed to empower women worldwide to fulfill their economic potential, creating conditions for increased stability, security, and prosperity for all.
AWE provides educational resources for women to engage in U.S-style education with guided facilitation and localization from local alumni of U.S. Government exchange programs, women business leaders, and key interlocutors to ensure small business growth and success.
AWE is centered around the online training program on women’s entrepreneurship, DreamBuilder, developed through a partnership between Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management and global copper mining company Freeport- McMoRan. Through robust networks, AWE supports participants by providing access to peer-to-peer mentorship, business partners, and scaling opportunities with businesses in the region and in the United States.
The sustainability of AWE’s success is built on the wide ranging and diverse programs tailored to women’s economic empowerment. The positive effects are further amplified by providing access to additional and supplementary opportunities to continue learning and growing AWE participant’s business ideas.
The U.S. Consulate General Lagos, in collaboration with Ascend Studios and led by alumna Inya Lawal, organized the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) to foster entrepreneurship and economic growth. From September 16-21, 100 selected female entrepreneurs, ranging from startup owners to established businesses, underwent a week-long training, forming a strong network and gaining valuable skills. Following the AWE, the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund waived normal training requirements, allowing participants immediate access to their financing program. Additionally, the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library provided volunteer support, and the AWE garnered positive press coverage for its impactful initiatives.
The U.S. Consulate General has for the 2nd time partnered with Ascend Studios Foundation to administer the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) – For the fourth annual AWE, we have selected 100 female entrepreneurs from across southern Nigeria to receive virtual and in-person training and mentoring.
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.
The U.S. Consulate General has for the 3rd time partnered with Ascend Studios Foundation to administer the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) – a component of the White House Women’s Global Development and Prosperity Initiative. For the second annual AWE, we have selected 120 female entrepreneurs from across southern Nigeria to receive virtual and in-person training and mentoring. To support the comprehensive rehabilitation and reintegration of returned migrants, we selected 20 female returnees to take part in the program.
During the intensive program scheduled to run from July to December 2021, 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.
The U.S. Consulate General has for the 4th time partnered with Ascend Studios Foundation to administer the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) – For the fourth annual AWE, we have selected 200 female entrepreneurs from across southern Nigeria to receive virtual and in-person training and mentoring. To support the comprehensive rehabilitation and reintegration of returned migrants, we selected 50 female returnees to take part in the program.
During the intensive program scheduled to run from May to June 2022, participants 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 with a 3-day (for 200 SMEs/MSMEs) In-person conference/ graduation ceremony in June 2022.
The U.S. Mission Nigeria has for the 5th time partnered with Ascend Studios Foundation to administer the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) – a component of the White House Women’s Global Development and Prosperity Initiative. For the fifth annual AWE, we have selected 120 female entrepreneurs from across southern and northern Nigeria to receive virtual and in-person training and mentoring. To support the comprehensive rehabilitation and reintegration of returned migrants, we selected 30 female returnees to take part in the program.
During the intensive program scheduled to run from August to October 2023, 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.