90 women entrepreneurs graduate from US-funded AWE programme
The US Embassy in Dhaka, in collaboration with BRAC University's Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (CED), celebrated the graduation of 90 aspiring women entrepreneurs from the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) programme.
The ceremony took place at BRAC University's Badda campus today (17 November), reads a press release.
Chargé d'Affaires ad interim Megan Bouldin, presiding over the event, reaffirmed the US government's dedication to advancing women's economic empowerment, fostering gender-inclusive growth, and supporting underrepresented groups, including religious and other minorities.
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The event honoured 78 women from various regions of Bangladesh, including Sylhet, Cumilla, Barishal, Khagrachari, Jashore, Chattogram, and Dhaka, who completed the second cohort of the US-funded programme.
"Congratulations to the remarkable women who completed the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) programme this year," said Bouldin. "You are paving the way for future generations of women entrepreneurs and proving that women have a critical role in Bangladesh's economic development."
During the ceremony, awards were presented to six participants for their outstanding business pitches.
Bouldin also announced an additional $30,000 grant to fund a business pitch competition involving 140 participants from all AWE cohorts.
"This funding will allow women to compete for multiple $5,000 awards to support their entrepreneurial ventures," she added.
The programme included a mini-fair where graduates showcased and sold products, demonstrating the entrepreneurial skills developed through their training.
Many participants represented marginalised and minority communities, highlighting their resilience and determination.
The AWE programme, a global initiative of the US Department of State, equips women with essential business knowledge and skills.
It is implemented in partnership with Arizona State University's Thunderbird School of Global Management and the Freeport-McMoRan Foundation, utilising the DreamBuilder platform for online learning and soft-skills development.
This year's cohort prioritised women from indigenous, minority, and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Conducted in Bangla by industry experts, the three-month course underscored sustainability, peer learning, and networking to foster long-term business growth.
"The AWE programme is not just about entrepreneurship—it's about economic empowerment," Bouldin remarked. "When women succeed in business, their families, communities, and economies thrive."
The partnership between the US Embassy and BRAC University's CED reflects a shared commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs and promoting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Bangladesh.
The initiative aligns with the US National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality, advocating for women's full economic participation and their contributions to global and local prosperity.
