By Ayo Alonge, [email protected]
The U.S. Consulate General in Lagos and Ascend Studios Foundation have partnered to implement the 2021 Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE).
The scheme, which is a U.S. government initiative that supports women entrepreneurs around the world, is now in its third year.
Organisers have, however, disclosed that 200 participants will be selected from the 17 states of southern Nigeria for the 2021 cohort. To support the comprehensive rehabilitation and reintegration of returned migrants, 50 female returnees will also take part in the programme.
As part of this highly competitive entrepreneurship programme, participants who graduate from the AWE gain automatic membership to the U.S. government exchange alumni community, providing access to a vast network of like-minded and highly regarded professionals across the country.
According to the Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Consulate, Stephen Ibelli, “Women’s meaningful economic participation is integral to achieving greater security and stability around the world. The AWE initiative is a great opportunity for Nigerian women entrepreneurs to gain university-level business and management training, strengthen their networks and grow sustainable businesses.
“Women have a key role to play in Nigeria’s future prosperity. As we have seen time and time again, when women do better, countries do better, communities do better, and families do better.”
Leading local business leaders will help facilitate the intensive programme scheduled to run from July to September, 2021. In addition, participants will receive access to DreamBuilder, a blended business training course developed through a partnership between Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management and global copper mining company, Freeport-McMoRan.
In her words, the “Chief Executive Officer of Ascend Studios Foundation, Ms. Inya Lawal, said: “We are delighted that the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos has partnered with us to implement this programme, the largest yet. AWE is a transformative initiative that is helping women in Nigeria build and sustain their businesses; the opportunities that come from this programme are immense.”
Female entrepreneurs interested in participating in the AWE programme can apply at no cost by filling out the application form made available on the website of the US Consulate.