A fair exclusively for Academy for Women Entrepreneurs alumni in Bangladesh began at the BRAC University campus in Dhaka on Wednesday.
Bren Flanigan, acting counsellor for public affairs of the US embassy, inaugurated the two-day fair.
AWE, a global initiative led by the US Department of State, equips aspiring women entrepreneurs with essential knowledge, professional networks, and foundational materials crucial for launching and scaling up successful businesses.
US embassy Dhaka is deeply committed to supporting young aspiring women entrepreneurs, promoting small and medium enterprises and nurturing local women business leaders, especially those from historically underrepresented communities, said a press release.鈥�
Thirty-five women entrepreneurs from across Bangladesh, including Sylhet, Khagrachhari, Gaibandha, Chattogram and Dhaka, are showcasing their innovative products and services at the fair.
This event will provide a unique platform for these entrepreneurs to present their businesses to a diverse audience of visitors, fostering networking and business growth opportunities.
AWE, a prominent programme funded by the State Department鈥檚 Educational and Cultural Affairs Bureau, was inaugurated in Bangladesh in 2022. Since its inception, the programme has trained 140 women entrepreneurs nationwide.
The Centre for Entrepreneurship Development at BRAC University serves as the programme's local implementing partner.
The AWE Programme, a comprehensive three-month course tailored for aspiring women entrepreneurs across the globe, was designed by Arizona State University and the Freeport-McMoRan Foundation. It generates income and creates jobs in women-led businesses in more than 100 countries worldwide.
In Bangladesh, the programme provides hands-on training in Bangla conducted by industry experts, focusing on core business skills with an emphasis on sustainability.