Academy for Women Entrepreneurs in Venezuela

The overall program is comprised of two phases, the first phase focuses on transferring business skills (using the “Dreambuilder” curriculum developed by Arizona State University) to build sustainable social enterprises for a new cohort of AWE participants. The second phase aims at planning, organizing, and implementing a social marketing campaign competition for AWE alumni to create artistic pieces that promote a stronger sense of active citizenry among young and first-time Venezuelan voters.

Both program phases must include a U.S. component, either through a connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s, usage of American educational/informational resources, U.S. government exchange program alumni participation, and/or any other activities that promote or contribute to increased mutual understanding and collaboration between the people of the United States and the people of Venezuela. Competitive proposals should incorporate collaboration and partnerships with American Spaces/Bi-national Centers in Venezuela for some portions of program implementation.

Objectives

Each proposal must meet the following objectives, in addition to strengthening understanding of U.S. values, institutions, and precepts:

• Expand participants’ understanding of the fundamentals of developing and scaling up organizations with social impact.
• Expose participants to U.S. models for social or civil society organizations development/ strategy and connect them with American experts.
• Facilitate the development of an ongoing network of female entrepreneurs, both Venezuelan and American, who can offer support and ongoing best practices to promote and celebrate a network of women-led civil society organizations.

Funding Information

• Length of performance period: Up to 12 months
• Award amounts: Each award up to $40,000
• Total available funding: $80,000
• Anticipated program start date: Phase 1 – April 1, 2024; Phase 2 – July 1, 2024

Participants and Audiences

• Phase 1 Grant: 25-30 Venezuelan woman residing in Venezuela, ages 20-45, who are aspiring social entrepreneurs with an interest in creating and leading social enterprises in visual arts and communications.
• Phase 2 Grant: Up to 20 Venezuelan AWE Alumni, residing in Venezuela, ages 20-45, who are leading early and mid-stage social enterprises in visual arts and communications.

Priority Region: WHA/Venezuela

Eligible Applicants

• The following organizations are eligible to apply:
  • Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations
  • Public and private educational institutions
• For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.