Women entrepreneurs get grants from US embassy
City Desk :
The US embassy here on Wednesday recognised six women entrepreneurs with grant money for their innovative and impactful business ideas.
The Embassy in partnership with BRAC University’s Center for Entrepreneurship Development (CED), celebrated these six women entrepreneurs as the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Business Pitch Winners, reports BSS.
US Charg, d’Affaires Megan Bouldin presided over the event, held at Kennedy Hall in the EMK Center in Dhaka recognizing the winners and reaffirming the U.S. government’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs.
“These outstanding women represent the innovation and resilience needed to drive sustainable economic growth in Bangladesh,” said Bouldin.
The winners, selected from a pool of applicants from AWE Cohorts 1 and 2, represent diverse regions across Bangladesh, including Sylhet, Cumilla, Barishal, Khagrachari, Jashore, Chattogram and Dhaka.
Each winner demonstrated outstanding entrepreneurial potential through their business pitch proposals.
The AWE program, launched in Bangladesh in 2022, has provided training to over 140 women entrepreneurs from across the country.
Implemented in partnership with BRAC University’s Center for Entrepreneurship Development, the program focuses on equipping women with essential business skills such as marketing, finance, and strategic planning.
This initiative particularly emphasizes supporting women from marginalized and economically disadvantaged communities, including indigenous and minority groups.
“Programs like AWE are transforming lives by empowering women with the skills, resources, and networks needed to succeed in business. When women thrive, entire communities and economies benefit,” said Bouldin.
The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), a flagship initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, promotes inclusive economic growth, entrepreneurship, and women’s leadership in Bangladesh.
Implemented in partnership with BRAC University’s Center for Entrepreneurship Development (CED), the program empowers women from indigenous, minority, and disadvantaged backgrounds to become change makers.