BRAC University commenced its first-ever fair exclusively for alumni of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) in Bangladesh on Wednesday.
Acting Counsellor for Public Affairs at the US Embassy, Bren Flanigan, inaugurated the two-day event.
AWE, spearheaded by the US Department of State, empowers aspiring women entrepreneurs with essential knowledge, professional networks, and foundational skills vital for successfully launching and expanding businesses.
The US Embassy in Dhaka underscores its commitment to supporting young women entrepreneurs, promoting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and nurturing local women business leaders from historically marginalised communities, as stated in a press release.
Thirty-five women entrepreneurs from diverse regions across Bangladesh, including Sylhet, Khagrachhari, Gaibandha, Chattogram, and Dhaka, are showcasing their innovative products and services at the fair.
This event offers a unique platform for entrepreneurs to present their ventures to a broad audience, fostering networking and business expansion opportunities.
The AWE Programme, funded by the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, debuted in Bangladesh in 2022. To date, the programme has trained 140 women entrepreneurs nationwide.
BRAC University's Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (CED) serves as the local implementing partner for the AWE Programme.
The AWE Programme, developed by Arizona State University and the Freeport-McMoRan Foundation, is a comprehensive three-month course tailored for aspiring women entrepreneurs globally. It has successfully generated income and job opportunities in women-led businesses across more than 100 countries, including Bangladesh.
In Bangladesh, the programme offers practical training conducted by industry experts, emphasising core business skills with a focus on sustainability.
