About

The U.S. Mission to the UAE has announced the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for organizations to submit proposals to implement the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) in the UAE.

The 14-month program will include a 4–span-month training and mentorship program to support at least 20 UAE-based, women-owned small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to build the knowledge, skills, and networks to expand market reach by taking advantage of the UAE entrepreneurship ecosystem and bilateral trade opportunities. Following the training period, participants will have the opportunity to showcase successes at trade shows and policy summits.

AWE in UAE is a business training program (AWE) that provides UAE-based, women-owned SMEs the knowledge, networks, and access they need to build resilience and grow their businesses. AWE UAE will convene private sector networks, U.S. Government resources/alumni, and public and private resources to establish a network of Emirati and long-term UAE resident entrepreneurs and business leaders that can develop business growth plans and leverage market expansion and media opportunities. AWE UAE supports U.S.-UAE business partnerships, and public-private sponsorships, and builds institutional capacity to increase women’s access to economic opportunities. 

Since 2019, AWE has advanced women’s businesses by empowering more than 25,000 women entrepreneurs in 120+ countries. Implemented in the UAE since 2020, AWE has helped 41 women-led businesses, which to date have raised $7 million in funding, generated $45 million in revenues, and created 500+ jobs.

Funding Information

• Estimated Total Program Funding: $ 150,000

• Award Ceiling: $150,000

• Award Floor: $100,000

Eligibility

• Not-for-profit organizations (U.S. or UAE-based), Think tanks, Public and private educational institutions, Public International Organizations, and Governmental institutions.