US Embassy inaugurates AWE program

 
Yesterday, Stephen F. Ibelli, Public Affairs Counselor at the U.S. Embassy, inaugurated the second cohort of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Program at the EMK Center in Dhaka.  AWE, a global initiative led by the U.S. Department of State, provides enterprising women with the knowledge, professional network, and foundational materials essential for launching and expanding successful businesses.

In collaboration with BRAC University's Center for Entrepreneurship Development, U.S. Embassy Dhaka is deeply committed to supporting young aspiring women entrepreneurs, promoting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and nurturing local women business leaders, especially those from historically underrepresented communities.

As a flagship program promoting entrepreneurship through increased trade, AWE aligns seamlessly with the U.S. Strategy of Global Women's Economic Security, which envisions a world where women and girls from diverse backgrounds can fully, meaningfully, and equally contribute to and benefit from global economic growth and prosperity.

The second cohort of the AWE program is set to empower 90 participants from three distinct geographic locations: Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet. Participants from Chattogram and Sylhet will join sessions at the EMK Center virtually through Zoom. The program's goal this year is to recruit participants from historically underrepresented, indigenous and minority communities, as well as women aged 20-45 who have traditionally been excluded from participation in formal training programs. As a U.S. government exchange initiative, AWE connects women with American learning and expertise, fostering stronger ties among women entrepreneurs across diverse American and Bangladeshi markets.