Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Program (Cameroon)

AWE is a U.S. Department of State-led initiative around the globe to support gender equity and equality by promoting women’s economic opportunities and giving enterprising women the knowledge, networks, and access they need to launch and scale successful businesses.

The U.S. Embassy Yaoundé Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) invites proposals to design and implement an export-focused AWE cohort in Cameroon to support Mission Goals of strengthening economic ties between Cameroon and the United States of America, and supporting women entrepreneurs. This specialized program will provide a six-month training program in the summer or fall of 2025 to train 50 women business owners in product quality enhancement, export compliance, and U.S. market entry strategies. The program will leverage Thunderbird’s 100 Million Learners platform, complemented by specialized workshops on U.S. FDA regulations, USDA requirements, packaging best practices and export compliance procedures. The program will culminate in an “AWE Alumni Trade Fair and Export Forum.” This targeted approach aims to create a pipeline of export-ready women-led businesses in Cameroon.

Goals

• Equip participants with knowledge and skills to enhance product quality and meet U.S. export standards.
• Expand participants’ understanding of international trade regulations and compliance.
• Foster participants’ ability to promote economic opportunities for women and increase the number of women-led businesses in the high potential business sectors.

Funding Information

• Award amounts: Awards may range from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $35,000
• Number of awards anticipated: 2 awards (dependent on amounts)
• Length of performance period: 3 to 6 months.

Targeted Audiences

• The 2025 AWE program will consist of 50 dynamic Cameroonian women entrepreneurs including AWE Alumnae who:
  • Reside in Cameroon.
  • Own social enterprises or businesses with demonstrable potential for U.S. market export.
  • Have a proven business track record of 2-5 years, indicating operational maturity and entrepreneurial resilience.
  • Demonstrate advanced digital literacy, including computer proficiency and reliable internet connectivity.
  • Demonstrate commitment to business growth and international market expansion.
  • Have innovative business models with scalable export potential.

Eligibility Criteria

• PDS encourages applications from the United States and Cameroon:
  • Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks, community associations, and civil society/non-governmental organizations with programming experience;
  • Alumni of U.S. government exchange programs;
  • Non-profit media organizations;
  • Professional trade organizations;
  • Non-profit or governmental educational institutions;
  • Private educational institutions.

Ineligibility Criteria

• For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.