Applications open for South African women to join 2021 academy for women entrepreneurs

Currently in its third year, another 125 participants will be selected nationwide for the 2021 cohort. This brings total participation in the programme to 300 young South African female entrepreneurs, who have received training and mentorship in what has become a highly competitive entrepreneurship programme. Implemented in more than 50 countries now, AWE supports the growth of women entrepreneurs by equipping them with the practical skills, resources, mentorship, and networks needed to create sustainable businesses and enterprises. AWE is centered around DreamBuilder, an online training platform for women’s entrepreneurship developed by the Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management in partnership with the global copper mining company Freeport-McMoRan.

Minister Counselor for Public Affairs at the US Embassy, Frank Whitaker, noted, “We firmly believe that women entrepreneurs are key to our shared prosperity, both now and in the future. Women who take action to affect positive change can and must play a role in leading the way to a more sustainable and economically inclusive future.”

AWE 2021 will take place as a virtual programme from August to December, with participants selected and grouped according to five South African cities: Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg and Pretoria. South African women entrepreneurs are invited to apply until 11 July 2021. 

Applications are invited from female entrepreneurs for the AWE programme with no cost to the applicant at any stage. Selected candidates will receive no-cost entry to the programme including: Enrolment in the DreamBuilder platform and expert facilitated virtual business management training and mentorship sessions; networking and peer learning opportunities with like-minded entrepreneurs; collaboratively developed and refined draft of your business plan; DreamBuilder certificate after completing the programme; membership to the AWIEF Community and free attendance to the AWIEF 2021 Virtual Conference, 2-3 December 2021.

Participants graduating from the programme gain automatic membership to the U.S. government-funded Exchange Alumni network which provides access to a robust network of support, including follow-on business opportunities, potential seed funding, and a vast network of entrepreneurs across the country. 

Eligibility criteria is women between 21 and 35 years of age and fluent in English; must be resident in one of the five AWE South Africa cities: Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, and Pretoria; must either have a feasible business idea or have been in business for no more than two years; not in full-time employment; ability to participate in weekly group sessions and must be able to commit more than five hours weekly to accomplish designated tasks and computer literacy and access to a computer. 

To submit application for the AWE South Africa 2021 programme, follow this link:  https://bit.ly/3xCwJ2GAWESouthAfrica2021