Academy For Women Entrepreneurs – Giving enterprising women the knowledge, networks and access they need to launch and scale successful businesses.

Empowering Women to Build Sustainable Businesses Globally

The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) gives enterprising women the knowledge, networks and access they need to launch and scale successful businesses. By promoting women’s economic opportunities and ensuring that women have the capabilities and resources needed to participate in the economy

About Us

The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) is a U.S. government initiative that aims to support women in entrepreneurial ventures globally. It was launched by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) in 2019. AWE provides women with the tools, resources, and networks to start and grow their businesses.

The program uses DreamBuilder, an online platform developed by Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management, which offers free business training. AWE is designed to create economic opportunities for women, enabling them to strengthen their communities. It combines an inclusive online curriculum with localized mentorship, helping women access networks and business skills in various countries.

Our Partners

Program Impact

Women Impacted

18000 +

|

Countries

10 +

About AWE Kenya

In Kenya, the AWE program is equipping women with the practical skills needed to create sustainable businesses. It seeks to promote economic prosperity by creating opportunities for women with brilliant ideas to become successful entrepreneurs. The main sponsors of AWE Kenya are the State Department, ECA at State, and US Embassy Kenya, which will be implemented by Ushindi Empowerment in 2022. The project is currently ongoing, and thus far Kenya has trained over 600 women by 2024, with the Ushindi Empowerment Group implementing three of these cohorts in 2022. The counties covered include Nairobi, Machakos, Malindi, Kisumu, Nakuru, Lamu, and Mombasa.

Impact Stories

Mkamboi Mwakale Founder, Saru Organics - AWE Cohort 5 Alumni

The greatest lightbulb moment for me in the AWE Program was when I realized the similarity of challenges that we all face as entrepreneurs. This mindset shift has done great for my team and business.

Mariam Kupi Founder, Safisha Venture - AWE Cohort 5 Alumni

AWE has instilled in me the confidence and skills to run my business. It has made me view my business in a different way and potentially grow my start-up while empowering other women and youth.

Julien Wachira Founder, Designers Emporium Solutions LTD. - AWE Cohort 5 Alumni

AWE has instilled in me the confidence and skills to run my business. It has made me view my business in a different way and potentially grow my start-up while empowering other women and youth

Clarice Mwakazi Managing Director, Mas Entreprises - AWE Cohort 5 Alumni

AWE helped me to plan & package my ideas into a profitable business in the marketplace.

Effue Opiyo Founder Buku leather Crafts Award Winner for she Awards Africa 2023 - AWE Cohort 5 Alumni

AWE elevated me from a beginner entrepreneur to a smart one, teaching me how to handle business financials and pitching confidently with a better understanding of my business.

Dr. Tayba Hatimy Founder, Baus Taka - AWE Cohort 5 Alumni

AWE was a game changing course for me. It empoweredme with the knowledge, skills and confidence to scale my start up while creating job opportunities for youth and women from vulnerable communities.

Tsedaniya Delnessa Manakristo Designs Creative Director - AWE Cohort 5 Alumni

AWE made me more self-driven, goal-oriented, and entrepreneurially minded, and I never settled for less than what the training had prepared me for.

Purity Okumu Founder Lavycure Nail and SPA - AWE Cohort 5 Alumni

AWE has taught me to be a better bookkeeper and how to pitch my business.

Beatrice Mauku Founder Lavycure Nail and SPA - AWE Cohort 5 Alumni

AWE has helped me from being "busy" in my business to becoming a "business entrepreneur." I have enhanced my skills, knowledge, and competency.