Empowering Female Entrepreneurs: U.S. Embassy Central African Republic Announces $40,000 AWE Program Grant

The U.S. Embassy in Central African Republic is pleased to announce the open competition to award a cooperative agreement for a recently launched program, the “Academy for Women Entrepreneurs” (or “AWE”).

The Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) invites proposals from established Central African associations, committed, and organized civil-society organizations, and academic institutions, to design and implement a six-month entrepreneurship program in partnership with the Embassy that would provide approximately 30 emerging female entrepreneurs with knowledge, networks, and access they need to launch and scale successful businesses. The intended program should empower women entrepreneurs to realize their full economic potential.

It is the Embassy’s intent to award one cooperative agreement of up to $40,000. 

Participants of the AWE program will take part in facilitated in-person and virtual sessions with established Central African 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 timeline 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 – including American coaches – articulated in the proposed activities syllabus.

Program Objectives:

·        Expand participant’s understanding of the fundamentals of launching and scaling up a business.

·        Expose participants to U.S. models for business development and connect them with American entrepreneurship experts.

·        Incorporate a mentorship program and facilitate the development of an ongoing network of female entrepreneurs who can offer support and ongoing best practices while sustaining their relationship with the U.S. Embassy.

Proposals submitted should clearly address program implementation showing the proposed activities and suggested local speakers. Applicants should give a detailed recruitment strategy for the target population, clearly specifying how the Embassy would be involved. The proposal should include ideas for follow-up activities after program implementation to assess the impact of the program. 

Applicants should submit a proposal with sufficient travel budget funds if beneficiaries are traveling to a workshop and a data plan if they are to participate in virtual sessions. Budget should also include costs for any ceremonies or enrichment activities.

Participants and Audiences:

The AWE program targets current or future women business owners in Central African Republic. 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.

Proposals

Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that use a variety of interactive activities, workshops, and other quality learning experiences to help participants significantly develop their entrepreneurship skills. All proposals should contain a proposed syllabus briefly describing how in-person speakers and other activities would supplement the online sessions in the Dreambuilder (www.dreambuilder.org) courses, and how these activities would relate to overall program objectives. Proposals should also include a detailed explanation of how applicants will be recruited and a description of how program activities will bring about the intended results. Proposals should include ideas for at least 1-2 activities per month that would allow all or select participants to deepen their entrepreneurship skills.