Deadline: 18-Nov-22
The U.S. Embassy Namibia under the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a new cohort of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE).
The Public Diplomacy Section invites proposals from non-profit organizations, civil society organizations, and U.S. government alumni organizations to design and implement an entrepreneurship program that equips women entrepreneurs with skills and knowledge to grow their businesses and adapt to adverse economic situations while growing a local network of women-led businesses. The intended program should empower women entrepreneurs to realize their full economic potential.
Participants of the AWE program will take part in facilitated in-person and virtual sessions with established Namibian and American women entrepreneurs, alumni of U.S.-funded exchange programs, and other experts from different fields that enrich the AWE experience. Applicants must include the online interactive DreamBuilder course as part of the proposal. The DreamBuilder curriculum teaches the skills and knowledge needed to start and grow a business. Additionally, proposals should provide a detailed program and timelines for AWE participants.
The program may be held in several locations running cohorts of up to 30 participants and should have a strong American component.
The Public Diplomacy Section will be actively involved in the award implementation. U.S. Embassy staff will be involved in the following:
- Providing standardized branding materials and guidelines for AWE promotional content.
- Participate in AWE promotional activities on U.S. Embassy Namibia social media platforms.
- Approve participants, facilitator, and expert speakers’ recruitment strategy.
- Assist the awardee in identifying and contacting alumni of U.S. government exchange programs and other networks for potential speakers and trainers.
- Review and approve suggested program speaker schedule, topics, and scenarios.
- Collaborating with the awardee to assess the impact of the program through designing follow-up activity.
- Approve social media content and any other outreach promotional material to promote the AWE program to wider audiences.
Objectives
- Increase participants understanding of business planning, and scaling up operations,
- Build a network of female entrepreneurs that is committed to supporting and promoting relationships that help grow businesses and drive local partnerships, and
- Equip participants with skills and knowledge to build sustainable businesses.
Funding Information
- Award amounts: award may range from a minimum of $30,000 to a maximum of $45,000
- Total available funding: $45,000
- Length of performance period: 8 to 12 months.
Participants and Audiences
- The AWE program targets current or future women business owners in Namibia. AWE participants should 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
- The following organizations are eligible to apply:
- Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations
- Public and private educational institutions
- Individuals
- Public International Organizations and Governmental institutions.
For more information, visit https://na.usembassy.gov/education-culture/grant-programs/