THROUGH the US Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Programme, more than 100 women from four regions across Guyana have received the knowledge, networks, and access they need to launch and scale successful businesses.

According to a post on the US Embassy’s official Facebook page, during the month of December, a group of AWE alumni stopped by the embassy to showcase their AWE-branded products.

“By giving women the tools and the confidence they need, the AWE programme is generating income and creating jobs in women-led businesses, driving local prosperity in more than 100 countries worldwide,” the embassy said.
According to the US State Department, the US Government 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 department said.

To augment the existing slate of projects focused on women and economic empowerment, the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) established the AWE in 2019. The AWE provides women entrepreneurs with the skills, resources, and networks needed to start and scale successful businesses.

Through AWE, women entrepreneurs participate in a facilitated entrepreneurship programme supplemented with localised content, as well as networking and mentorship opportunities.

The AWE is typically centred around the online training programme, DreamBuilder, developed through a partnership between Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management and global copper mining company Freeport-McMoRan.