Empowering Saudi Women through the Creation and Launch of an Entrepreneurs Networking and Mentorship Initiative

Description

The U.S. Embassy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that limited funding is available through the Embassy’s Public Affairs grants program to support activities that promote U.S.-Saudi bilateral relations in the following priority area: Empowering women in Saudi Arabia through the Creation and Launch of an Entrepreneurs Networking and Mentorship Initiative. This is a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Eligibility is limited to those who qualify to receive U.S. grants and have the ability to develop and implement their proposed programs in Saudi Arabia within the timeframe indicated on their applications. The U.S. Embassy in the Kingdom Saudi Arabia and the Department of State encourage organizations that have not previously received international program funding from the U.S. government to apply. Applicants must have demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following subject areas: business or academic programming, management and entrepreneurship, organization of entrepreneurship training, and institution-to-institution partnerships. The U.S. Embassy in the Kingdom Saudi Arabia requests proposals for projects aimed at empowering women in Saudi Arabia through the creation of an entrepreneurs’ networking and mentorship initiative. Over the past 18 months, Embassy contacts have identified a need for sustained mentorship and networking opportunities between experienced and aspiring entrepreneurs to facilitate skills transfer, develop contacts, and facilitate access to capital investment funds. During the same timeframe, the U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia has implemented several entrepreneurship grants in collaboration with Saudi and American institutions. As a result, the mission has built a list of both mentors and students/participants that might serve as a beginning point for a strong network and mentorship initiative. PAS KSA would like to invite proposals from nonprofit organizations and institutions both local and American to create a robust and sustainable mentoring and networking initiative to promote entrepreneurship and leadership among Saudi women. Project proposals should include plans for the creation of the program, a plan for launching the initiative, plans for approximately twelve months of activities to help develop the initiative and grow membership among the target audience of both established and aspiring Saudi women entrepreneurs, and a plan to make the network self-sustaining after the grant funding expires. While a wide range of project proposals will be considered, successful projects will incorporate many of the following elements: A clearly defined project objective, with specific supporting goals and quantifiable project milestones. An initial focus on including participants from our previous grants, participants that applied but did not get the chance to participate, and U.S. exchange programs alumni. Building a network that encourages and facilitates the transfer of skills and sharing of resources between members. A mentorship program that aims to accelerate initial success in Saudi business communities. A sustainable strategic plan to provide program participants with knowledge or skills of lasting value and application beyond the term of the project. Use of traditional and innovative educational programs and networking tools in the pursuit of broader goals such as empowering women, economic development, job creation, understanding the value of diversity, business development, acquisition of leadership skills, etc. An integrated project messaging/media plan designed to amplify the reach of key program messages to Saudi participants who do not participate in the program. An innovative approach that highlights American expertise or U.S.-Saudi partnerships and creates/strengthens networks between Americans and Saudis. All project proposals must meet the eligibility criteria and carefully follow the instructions in the document containing the full Notice of Funding Opportunity under the Related Documents tab. 

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