Academy for Women Entrepreneurs, FY2025

A global initiative, AWE provides resources to support the social and economic empowerment of women including the skills, networks, and opportunities needed to compete in the Ethiopian and global economy. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations (such as think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations), public and private educational institutions, and public international organizations and governmental institutions. Cost-sharing or matching funding is not required.

Note: We strongly encourage applicants to incorporate digital literacy training into their FY2025 AWE program proposals to enhance participants' technical skills and digital access.

ECA launched AWE in 2019 to help women develop the skills and networks needed to start and grow businesses. Participants learn skills like strategic planning, marketing, and finance through online and in-person sessions, with guidance from business leaders and U.S. exchange alumni mentors. In partnership with Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School for Global Management, AWE uses no-cost platforms like DreamBuilder and the Najafi 100 Million Learners Global Initiative  to deliver course content.

DreamBuilder, created by ASU and Freeport-McMoRan, offers modules on marketing, pricing, and bookkeeping, plus a business plan generator. Available in English and Spanish, it supports local language mentoring; the Najafi 100 Million Learners Global Initiative available in 40 languages, provides a more advanced curriculum on entrepreneurship and innovation. Proposals must choose either DreamBuilder or 100 Million Learners for their curriculum.

The proposals should meet the following objectives: 

●          Increase participants’ understanding of business planning and scaling up operations 

●          Connect participants with U.S.-based business experts and share U.S. models of running enterprises 

●          Build a network of female entrepreneurs that is committed to supporting and promoting relationships that help grow businesses and drive local partnerships, and 

●          Equip participants with skills and knowledge to build sustainable businesses. 

Applicants are encouraged to include digital skills and English language training in their proposals.  

Applicants are encouraged to train startups, beginner entrepreneurs, and mid-career entrepreneurs in Addis Ababa and other major regional cities where the U.S. Embassy maintains American Corners, including Jimma, Dire Dawa, Mekelle, and Bahir Dar.