Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) 2025

Description

The U.S. Embassy in Cameroon announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to implement the 2025 Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) in Cameroon. AWE is a U.S. Department of State-led initiative around the globe to support gender equity and equality by promoting women’s economic opportunities and giving enterprising women the knowledge, networks, and access they need to launch and scale successful businesses. The U.S. Embassy Yaoundé Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) invites proposals to design and implement an export-focused AWE cohort in Cameroon to support Mission Goals of strengthening economic ties between Cameroon and the United States of America, and supporting women entrepreneurs. This specialized program will provide a six-month training program in the summer or fall of 2025 to train 50 women business owners in product quality enhancement, export compliance, and U.S. market entry strategies. The program will leverage Thunderbird's 100 Million Learners platform, complemented by specialized workshops on U.S. FDA regulations, USDA requirements, packaging best practices and export compliance procedures. The program will culminate in an "AWE Alumni Trade Fair and Export Forum.” This targeted approach aims to create a pipeline of export-ready women-led businesses in Cameroon. Organizations interested in competing for the AWE 2025 should submit proposals to PDSGrantsYaounde@state.gov by January 12, 2025, at 5:00 pm 1. Goals and Objectives Equip participants with knowledge and skills to enhance product quality and meet U.S. export standards. Expand participants’ understanding of international trade regulations and compliance. Foster participants’ ability to promote economic opportunities for women and increase the number of women-led businesses in the high potential business sectors. Project Activities: Phase 1: Develop and Recruit · Develop a curriculum and training materials. · Identify, recruit, and train facilitators and mentors from the USG alumni community, U.S. Embassy, USAID, American Chamber of Commerce, and African Women’s Entrepreneurship Program (AWEP) network. · Announce, conduct outreach, and recruit participants. · Produce an export readiness SOP for entrepreneurs willing to export products in the U.S. Proposals should provide a recruitment strategy for recruiting target participants and specify how the Embassy would be involved. Phase 2: Train the Cohort Organize a 3-day Export Readiness Bootcamp alongside the official launching ceremony in Yaoundé. · Facilitate training of the online DreamBuilder or Thunderbird’s 100 Million Learners courses through weekly virtual or in-person sessions to discuss challenges, share best practices, and receive guidance from facilitators. · Organize activities that integrate localized content to supplement the online DreamBuilder or Thunderbird’s 100 Million Learners courses. · Establish a support network among participants to foster peer-to-peer learning and collaboration. Proposals are encouraged to incorporate a variety of interactive activities, workshops, field trips, case studies, and other learning experiences to help participants develop their export readiness skills. Phase 3: Milestone Finale Organize a 2-day final gathering on “AWE Alumni Trade Fair and Export Forum” in Douala to showcase AWE participants and alumnae’s businesses, connect them with potential investors, U.S. buyers and increase their access to funding and export opportunities. The AWE Export Readiness Bootcamp will feature a comprehensive training program designed to empower women entrepreneurs in expanding their businesses internationally. Session topics will provide strategic insights and practical skills, focusing on comprehensive export market development. The program will cover critical areas including, but not limited to: · A diagnostic assessment of participants' current export product potential. · Strategic U.S. market positioning, detailed guidance on compliance and documentation requirements. · In-depth financial management techniques, and digital marketing strategies tailored to international trade. · Additionally, a targeted social media campaign will highlight the remarkable success stories of AWE participants, showcasing their entrepreneurial achievements and creating visibility for women-led businesses seeking to enter global markets. Proposals are encouraged to include ideas for follow-on activities after program implementation. Please note that this award would not cover the costs of any such follow-on activity, which would be subject to additional funding resources. Participants and Audiences: The 2025 AWE program will consist of 50 dynamic Cameroonian women entrepreneurs including AWE Alumnae who: · Reside in Cameroon. · Own social enterprises or businesses with demonstrable potential for U.S. market export. · Have a proven business track record of 2-5 years, indicating operational maturity and entrepreneurial resilience. · Demonstrate advanced digital literacy, including computer proficiency and reliable internet connectivity. · Demonstrate commitment to business growth and international market expansion. · Have innovative business models with scalable export potential. 2. Substantial Involvement · The grantee will propose for Embassy input: o Details of program content and design o Participant selection strategy o List of speakers and alumni o Guest list · The grantee can request Embassy assistance with: o Sharing project promotional content on U.S. Embassy Cameroon social media platforms o Inviting press · The Grants Officer must give final approval of the following before action by the grantee: o Keynote speakers, facilitators, and participants o Promotional materials o Date and venue

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