The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Business Pitch Winners. Photo: US embassy

Dhaka, Jan 8, 2025 (BSS) - The US embassy here today 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. 

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. 

With two cohorts completed in Bangladesh, AWE has built a vibrant network of entrepreneurs driving community impact, creating jobs, and inspiring others. 

Building on this success, CED plans to introduce advanced training and mentoring to further empower women and bridge economic gaps in Bangladesh.

This year, 90 participants from Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet completed the program, which provided training in sustainability, peer-to-peer learning, and networking to build a strong foundation for business success.
 
The three-month course, conducted in Bangla, equips participants with essential business knowledge and skills, supporting their entrepreneurial journeys.

The U.S. Embassy's collaboration with BRAC University reflects a shared commitment to addressing the needs of underrepresented women entrepreneurs and fostering the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Bangladesh. 

The AWE program aligns with the U.S. National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality, driving women's full economic participation and strengthening communities and industries.