US Consulate admits 250 into 2022 AWE, to raise a total 770 graduates
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
A total 250 female entrepreneurs from 16,200 applicants in Nigeria have been selected by the United States government to participate in the 2022 Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program in Lagos.
AWE, a Washington initiative, supports women entrepreneurs around the world, and 520 Nigerians have benefitted from it since 2019. The training takes three months.
When the participants in this fourth edition complete their course this year, it would bring the total number of Nigerian AWE graduates to 770.
AWE is a collaboration between the US Consulate General Lagos, Venture Garden Foundation, and Ascend Studios Foundation, founded by Inya Lawal, an alumna of the Fortune-US Department of State Global Women’s Mentoring Partnership program.
It will support the training of 250 women entrepreneurs selected from a pool of over 16,200 applicants from across industries such as technology, fashion and textiles, entertainment, health, renewable energy, and agri-business.
The US government says it continues to support women’s full and free participation in the economy by creating platforms that enable them to thrive in their businesses, succeed as entrepreneurs, and prosper in their communities.
The US Consulate has hosted a virtual event to welcome the new participants in the AWE program.
US Consulate Deputy Public Affairs Officer Jennifer Foltz explained at the event that Washington established in 2019 to equip women entrepreneurs with the skills, resources, and networks needed to start and scale successful businesses.
“When women are economically empowered, they re-invest in their families and communities, strengthening the social fabric of society and education and skill levels of the workforce.
“This multiplier effect spurs economic growth and enhances stability, and we have seen that time and time again with our AWE graduates,” she said.
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Staying focused, committed
Tesilimi Yusuf, Group Head of Vibranium Valley and New Businesses at Venture Garden Group, encouraged the participants to stay focused and committed as they learn new skills that will enable them to impact lives and their communities.
It his view, “it is important that participants recognize that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity through which poverty can be reduced in the society and lives transformed completely.”
AWE offers tech skills, business networks
Bolupe Adebiyi, an AWE graduate and founder of Cotton Loops – a design and curation brand – shared how the scheme has given her access to endless opportunities for her business.
“I have been able to raise more than $50,000 in non-equity funding after I graduated from the AWE program in 2019,” she explained.
Over the next three months, participants will acquire business management and tech skills, and connect with networks of business leaders, women entrepreneurs, and mentors who will facilitate lessons related to business management such as preparing business plans and raising capital.
After graduating from the academy, participants are continuously mentored and encouraged to share, learn, and network with AWE alumnae and members of their cohort.
AWE backdrop
The AWE program was established in 2019 by the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) to augment the existing slate of projects focused on women and economic empowerment.
A total 520 women entrepreneurs in Nigeria have participated and graduated from the program.