U.S. Mission to Australia: Women’s Economic Empowerment Mentorship Program

Deadline: 26-Feb-21

The U.S. Embassy in Australia announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a mentorship program designed to empower, inspire, and upskill up-and-coming Australian women entrepreneurs and improve understanding about the U.S.-Australia economic relationship.

This program seeks to facilitate a mentorship program between budding Australian women entrepreneurs aged 20-30 and established American women business leaders. The program will enable a diverse cohort of emerging Australian women entrepreneurs to develop skills and professional networks needed to support future business ventures.

The program will also raise awareness about the U.S.-Australia economic relationship and opportunities for increased economic partnership between Australian and American businesses, business associations, and NGOs.

Main Activities

This program seeks to facilitate upskilling for careers in entrepreneurship, professional networking, and increased understanding of the U.S.-Australia economic relationship through mentoring, training, and networking sessions with emerging Australian women entrepreneurs and established American women business leaders. Program duration and delivery format are flexible; however, the program should not center on international travel considering ongoing restrictions relating to COVID-19.

Funding Information

Length of performance period: 6-12 months;
Number of awards anticipated: Multiple;
Award amounts: Up to $35,000.

Performance Indicators

Performance indicators can include, but are not limited to:

Number of Australian participants;
Number of connections facilitated between Australian participants and American mentors;
Number and duration of mentoring, training, and/or networking sessions;
Participants’ attitudes of their skills to engage in entrepreneurial activities;
Participants’ attitudes of the U.S.-Australia economic relationship.

Expected Results

This program is expected to result in increased ability of emerging Australian women entrepreneurs to participate fully in the economy. Following the program, participants will be better equipped to develop new business ventures through enhanced skills and professional networks. Participants will also have a better understanding of the U.S.-Australia economic relationship and opportunities for collaboration between American and Australian enterprises.

Eligibility Criteria

The following organizations are eligible to apply:
- U.S. and foreign not for profit entities
- U.S. and foreign universities
- Foreign public entities
The following types of projects are not eligible for funding:
- Projects relating to partisan political activity
- For profit activities
- Charitable or development activities
- Construction projects
- Projects that support specific religious activities
- Fundraising campaigns
- Lobbying for specific legislation or projects
- Academic and scientific research
- Individual exchange programs