In a remarkable celebration of female entrepreneurship, the US Embassy in Dhaka marked the graduation of 90 women entrepreneurs from the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) programme. The event, held on 17 November at BRAC University’s Badda campus, highlighted the transformative power of education, community, and support in fostering women-led businesses in Bangladesh.
This programme, a joint effort between the US Embassy, BRAC University’s Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (CED), and several international organisations, is part of a larger initiative aimed at empowering women globally. Let’s dive into the significance of this achievement, the impact of the AWE programme, and what the future holds for these inspiring women entrepreneurs.
90 Women Entrepreneurs Graduate from the AWE Programme
The graduation ceremony marked the successful completion of the second cohort of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) programme in Bangladesh. These 90 women come from diverse backgrounds, including marginalised, indigenous, and economically disadvantaged communities. Their participation is a testament to their resilience and determination to make a mark in the business world.
The event was presided over by Megan Bouldin, the Chargé d’Affaires ad interim at the US Embassy in Dhaka, who expressed her excitement and pride in the graduates’ achievements. “Congratulations to the remarkable women who completed the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) programme this year. You are paving the way for future generations of women entrepreneurs and proving that women have a critical role in Bangladesh’s economic development,” she said.
The AWE programme has been a game-changer for many of the women involved. It has provided them with the skills, knowledge, and resources to launch or expand their businesses, thereby contributing to economic empowerment and gender-inclusive growth.
What is the AWE Programme?
The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) is a global initiative funded by the US Department of State, designed to equip women with the business knowledge and entrepreneurial skills needed to start and sustain successful businesses. This year’s cohort focused on women from indigenous, minority, and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring that those who are often overlooked have the tools to succeed.
The programme includes both online learning and in-person training, facilitated by experts from Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management and Freeport-McMoRan Foundation. The course is conducted in Bangla, allowing women to learn in their native language, making it more accessible and relatable.
A significant part of the training is sustainability, peer learning, and networking. These elements help participants not only gain business knowledge but also build lasting relationships and support systems with fellow entrepreneurs.
Key Takeaways from the Graduation Ceremony
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Diverse Representation
The 90 graduates come from various regions across Bangladesh, including Sylhet, Cumilla, Barishal, Khagrachari, Jashore, Chattogram, and Dhaka. The programme has truly reached women from all corners of the country, ensuring that no one is left behind. -
Business Pitch Competition
During the ceremony, six participants received awards for their outstanding business pitches. These women demonstrated not only creativity but also a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities in their respective industries. The competition was a highlight of the event, showcasing the potential of the graduates to make a meaningful impact on Bangladesh’s economy. -
$30,000 Grant for Future Business Ventures
To further support the growth of these entrepreneurs, Megan Bouldin announced an additional $30,000 grant for a business pitch competition involving 140 participants from all AWE cohorts. This grant will enable women to compete for multiple $5,000 awards, providing them with much-needed capital to launch or expand their businesses. -
Mini-Fair Showcasing Graduates’ Businesses
The ceremony featured a mini-fair where graduates displayed and sold their products, demonstrating the skills they had honed during the programme. This hands-on experience was not just a showcase of their creativity but also a demonstration of their readiness to enter the competitive business world.
Why is the AWE Programme Important?
The AWE programme is not just about teaching business skills. It’s about economic empowerment and gender equality. By equipping women with the tools they need to start and grow businesses, the programme ensures that women are contributing to the economic development of their families, communities, and country.
Megan Bouldin rightly pointed out, “When women succeed in business, their families, communities, and economies thrive.” This ripple effect has a profound impact, as women reinvest their earnings back into their communities, improving education, healthcare, and living standards for those around them.
The Impact of the AWE Programme on Bangladesh
Bangladesh has long been home to strong female entrepreneurs, yet many women still face barriers to accessing the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. The AWE programme breaks down these barriers by providing training, mentorship, and access to funding that would otherwise be difficult for many women to access.
The programme is aligned with the US National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality, which advocates for women’s full economic participation. It reflects a shared commitment between the US Embassy and BRAC University to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Bangladesh and foster gender-inclusive economic growth.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for AWE Graduates?
As these 90 women entrepreneurs step into the future, their potential is limitless. The AWE programme has given them the foundation they need, but the real journey begins now. With the additional funding and support from the grant competition, many graduates will continue to scale their businesses and have a significant impact on Bangladesh’s economy.
For some, this will mean further developing existing ventures. For others, it will be the spark needed to launch entirely new enterprises. What’s clear is that these women are leaders, and their businesses will help shape the future of Bangladesh.
Conclusion: Empowering Women, Transforming Communities
The graduation of 90 women entrepreneurs from the US-funded AWE programme in Bangladesh is more than just a celebration of their accomplishments; it is a testament to the power of education and entrepreneurship in transforming lives. As these women continue their entrepreneurial journeys, they will inspire future generations to break barriers, challenge norms, and create businesses that fuel both their personal success and the prosperity of their communities.
The AWE programme has not only empowered 90 women in Bangladesh but has also helped push the boundaries of what women can achieve in the business world. It’s clear that when women succeed, everyone benefits.
Relevant links for further reading:
- Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) – AWE Programme Overview
- US Embassy in Dhaka – US Embassy Bangladesh
- BRAC University Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (CED) – CED at BRAC University
- Thunderbird School of Global Management – Thunderbird School
