U.S. Embassy in Guatemala’s Public Diplomacy Section Grant: Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) in Guatemala

The U.S. Embassy in Guatemala’s Public Diplomacy Section is dedicated to empowering women in the Guatemalan economy through entrepreneurship. The White House-led Women’s Global Development and Prosperity (W-GDP) initiative is designed to empower women worldwide to fulfill their economic potential and, in doing so, create conditions for increased stability, security, and prosperity for all. The target is to reach 50 million women by 2025 by promoting an enabling environment that reduces barriers and facilitates women’s participation in the economy.  

The U.S. Diplomatic Mission in Guatemala’s Public Diplomacy Section will pilot this hybrid version of AWE in twelve departments (San Marcos, Quetzaltenango, Huehuetenango, Quiche, Totonicapán, Chimaltenango, Sololá, Sacatepéquez, Guatemala, Chiquimula, Cobán and Izabal) to help 420 women expand and grow their businesses. We are seeking a reliable implementing organization that works with training and/or entrepreneurship, and which has a national scope in Guatemala. Guatemalan-based and U.S.-based organizations who works with a Guatemalan partner or a Guatemalan organization that can organize a virtual or hybrid program of this scope will be considered. The implementing partner will be expected to support AWE from development through graduation and beyond. The training program will be done in 14 small-group-facilitated sessions using the Spanish version of the Dream Builder platform. Guatemala AWE 2026 Program will be delivered to 420 Guatemalan women entrepreneurs (See Program Design). ECA will provide the training for AWE implementers and program facilitators. The implementing organization will be responsible for customizing all of the program components and developing enrichment activities to fit the practical realities of the country.