On August 31, the American mission launched the fifth edition of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) in Nigeria, in partnership with Ascend Studios. AWE will provide 120 women entrepreneurs with the knowledge, networks and access needed to launch and grow successful businesses. Participants were selected from over 3,000 applicants, represent all regions of Nigeria and already own start-up businesses focused on technology, agriculture or creative industries.
Launched in 2019 by the U.S. Department of State, AWE has helped more than 25,000 women in more than 80 countries over the past four years, including 770 Nigerian businesswomen. Participants learn entrepreneurial skills and join a strong AWE network that helps boost their business and create jobs. The annual six-week program combines facilitated online business courses, through the DreamBuilder platform, developed by Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management, with mentorship from established women entrepreneurs.
Speaking at the virtual launch, Chargé d’affaires David Greene congratulated participants and urged them to “use what you learn from this program to grow your business, improve your life and help grow the world.” Nigeria.”
Describing how the AWE program helped them grow their business, expand their networks and access financing, three AWE alumni also spoke at the virtual launch event: Adesola Adesakin, CEO of Smart Stewards Financial Advisory Ltd; Habiba Rabiu, founder of Arty Makers Nigeria Ltd; and Adebiso Odeleye, CEO of Moore Organics.
AWE Nigeria is implemented in partnership with Ascend Studios, led by Inya Lawal, an alumna of the Fortune-US State Department Global Women’s Mentoring Partnership Program.
