Deadline: 10-Jan-2025
The U.S. Embassy Zimbabwe under the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to implement an Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program in Zimbabwe.
The Public Diplomacy Section invites proposals from non-profit organizations, civil society organizations, incubators, tech hubs, and U.S. government alumni organizations to design and implement an entrepreneurial program for women entrepreneurs to develop the skills, capabilities, and resources to fully participate in the private sector.
Participants of the AWE program will participate in facilitated in-person and virtual sessions with established Zimbabwean and U.S. entrepreneurs, alumni of U.S.-funded exchange programs, and other experts from different fields that enrich the AWE program. Proposals must integrate the online interactive DreamBuilder course and may include elements from the online curriculum, the Najafi 100 Million Learners Global Initiative, on key topics in entrepreneurship and innovation as part of the proposal. The program may be held in several locations, run cohorts of up to 30 participants, and should have a strong American component, including U.S. experts as guest teachers or coaches, articulated in the proposed activities syllabus. Proposals must have entrepreneurship programing or engagement activities for AWE alumnae from previous years. Proposals that have site visits, seed funding, exchanges, pitch competitions, fairs, networking, or other creative engagement elements will be more competitive.
Objectives
- The proposals should meet the following objectives:
- Increase participants’ understanding of business planning, financial forecasting, marketing, and scaling up operations;
- Connect participants with U.S. based business experts and share U.S. models of running enterprises;
- Foster a network that support female entrepreneurs through peer-to-peer mentorship to help grow businesses and drive local partnerships; and
- Equip women entrepreneurs with skills and knowledge to build sustainable businesses.
Funding Information
- Award Ceiling: $35,000
- Award Floor: $10,000
- Project Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 12 months or less.
Target Audiences
- The AWE program targets current or future women business owners in Zimbabwe. AWE participants must commit to complete the program, have proven computer skills, and have access to the Internet or a reliable data connection. Applicants are encouraged to develop programs for underrepresented populations, niche business sectors, or areas of potential growth.
Eligibility Criteria
- Eligible Applicants:
- Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks, civil society, and non-governmental organizations
- Business development organizations registered as non-profits
- United States government alumni organizations
- Other Eligibility Requirements:
- To be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov.
- Adequately skilled and experienced staff to implement the program.
- Well-equipped office space with adequate ICT equipment required to implement the program including a reliable Internet connection.
Ineligible Applicants
- For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.