ISLAMABAD: The US Embassy in Pakistan has initiated the fourth Pakistan cohort of its “Academy for Women Entrepreneurs” (AWE) program, launching the event at the Lincoln Reading Lounge located in the National Library of Pakistan.
Bettina Malone, Minister Counselor for Public Affairs, inaugurated this year’s AWE cohort, aimed at empowering 150 participants from major cities including Lahore, Rawalpindi/Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta, and Karachi.
The AWE program is tailored to foster entrepreneurship among women, providing avenues for peer-to-peer learning and local mentorship to aid participants in establishing and expanding their businesses with innovative scaling opportunities. This initiative, backed by the US Department of State, operates globally, leveraging public-private partnerships and local networks to support women entrepreneurs in over 100 countries, including Pakistan.
Malone emphasized the significance of supporting women entrepreneurs, highlighting how their success leads to community prosperity and national advancement.
Under the guidance of established Pakistani entrepreneurs, the 150 AWE 2024 participants will engage in a rigorous three-month online training program developed by Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management and American natural resource company Freeport McMoran. Through this program, participants will acquire fundamental business skills, engage in weekly discussions with local mentors and US experts, and explore funding opportunities to enhance business expansion and increase their likelihood of entrepreneurial success.
The AWE Pakistan 2024 initiative will be led by five Lincoln Corners across Lahore, Rawalpindi/Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta, and Karachi, with support from the Pakistan American Cultural Center. Participants will have the opportunity to compete for seed funding from the US Mission to Pakistan to further develop their enterprises towards the end of the program.
Upon completion, participants will join the global AWE network, providing access to additional growth opportunities and connecting them with a community of US exchange program alumni.
