U.S. Consulate announces application for 2020 Academy for Women Entrepreneurs

THE United States Consulate General in Lagos has announced applications for this year’s Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), a U.S. Government initiative that supports women entrepreneurs around the world.

The Consulate made the announcement on Tuesday, October 27, stating that only 120 female entrepreneurs from across southern Nigeria will be selected to receive virtual and in-person training and mentoring.

It added that to support the comprehensive rehabilitation and reintegration of returned migrants, 20 female returnees will also be selected to take part in the programme.

According to the Consulate’s Acting Public Affairs Officer, Jennifer Foltz, the goal of the AWE is to teach women around the world to become successful entrepreneurs. She stated that amid the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on the global economy, the U.S.

Consulate General aims to work with the AWE participants to develop their businesses.

Foltz said that during the intensive programme scheduled to run from November 2020 to March 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.

“One of the U.S. government’s goals is to promote entrepreneurship worldwide. Through the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs, we are doing just that by giving ambitious businesswomen the skills they need to take their ventures to the next level. For this year’s programme, we encourage motivated and self-driven female entrepreneurs to apply,” she said.

The Consulate acting spokesperson explained that leading local business leaders will help facilitate the workshops, and in addition, participants will receive access to DreamBuilder, a blended business-training course developed through a partnership between Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management and global copper mining company Freeport-McMoRan.

Also commenting on the training, the Chief Executive Officer of Ascend Studios Foundation, one of the partners and administrator of the initiative, 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 important programme tailored for women’s economic empowerment.”

“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,” she added.

Female entrepreneurs interested in participating in the AWE programme can apply at no cost by filling out the application form via http://shorturl.at/bqGT6.

Application closes on November 8.

The AWE is a component of the White House Women’s Global Development and Prosperity Initiative, designed to empower women worldwide to fulfill their economic potential, thereby creating conditions for increased stability, security, and prosperity for all.

The first edition of the programme was held in Lagos in September 2019.