NOFO: Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (Guatemala)

AWE is an educational opportunity for potential women entrepreneurs and early-stage business owners that uses an online entrepreneurship course at its core. Participants gather “in-person” (synchronous format) to view course modules or to discuss after reviewing individually online. By creating an educational cohort and reinforcing peer-topeer learning, course completion rates increase significantly from on-line only learning. Facilitators, chosen from alumni, business leaders, or other qualified professionals, will lead the discussions and help to localize the principles taught. Additional sessions should address country-specific topics or develop other skills useful to entrepreneurs.

The U.S. Diplomatic Mission in Guatemala’s Public Diplomacy Section will pilot this hybrid version of AWE in twelve departments (San Marcos, Quetzaltenango, Huehuetenango, Quiche, Totonicapán, Chimaltenango, Sololá, Sacatepéquez, Guatemala, Chiquimula, Cobán and Izabal) to help 420 women expand and grow their businesses. They are seeking a reliable implementing organization that works with training and/or entrepreneurship, and which has a national scope in Guatemala. Guatemalan-based and U.S.-based organizations who works with a Guatemalan partner or a Guatemalan organization that can organize a virtual or hybrid program of this scope will be considered. The implementing partner will be expected to support AWE from development through graduation and beyond. The training program will be done in 14 small-group-facilitated sessions using the Spanish version of the Dream Builder platform. Guatemala AWE 2026 Program will be delivered to 420 Guatemalan women entrepreneurs. ECA will provide the training for AWE implementers and program facilitators. The implementing organization will be responsible for customizing all of the program components and developing enrichment activities to fit the practical realities of the country.

Goals and Objectives

• By implementing this hybrid version of the AWE in Guatemala, they aim to provide resources for women to engage in guided facilitation, enrichment activities, and networking opportunities with ECA alumni, Guatemalan women business leaders, or other local partners. They also aim to foster networks that support participants’ access to peer-to-peer mentorship, business partners, and scaling opportunities with businesses in the region and in the United States.

Purpose

• To promote women’s economic empowerment through entrepreneurship and innovation. This project will help women grow their businesses with training, tools, networks, and resources they need to become more competitive and fulfill their economic potential and, in doing so, create conditions for increased stability, security, and prosperity in their communities.

Themes

• Priority consideration will be given to proposals that specifically address one or more of the following themes:
  • Empowerment of Guatemalan women and/or girls: The U.S. Government is committed to promoting gender empowerment through entrepreneurship. They welcome proposals that seek to educate and/or increase civic engagement and participation by Guatemalan women or girls, especially from indigenous communities and/or rural/non-urban areas of the country and/or areas marked by high rates of irregular migration.
  • Empowering and connecting diverse Guatemalan communities: Inclusion improves the Guatemalan economy. The U.S. Government is committed to ensuring that U.S. government programs and exchanges are inclusive of Guatemalans of all backgrounds, including original communities, Garifuna communities, members of the LGBTQI+ community, and Guatemalans with disabilities. They welcome proposals that offer ways to include and promote the participation of all Guatemalans.
  • Reducing the root causes of irregular migration to the United States: Human smugglers spread misinformation and create false expectations about the ease and safety of irregular migration to the United States, which involves a perilous journey for all involved, particularly for minors. They welcome proposals that facilitate and encourage potential migrants to build their futures in Guatemala.

Funding Information

• Estimated Total Program Funding: $150,000
• Award Ceiling: $150,000
• Award Floor: $10,000.

Ineligible Activities

• The following types of programs are not eligible for funding:
  • Activities that do not contain a distinctly U.S. policy connection
  • Programs that relate to partisan political activity
  • Charitable or development activities
  • Construction programs
  • Programs that support specific religious activities
  • Fundraising campaigns
  • Lobbying for specific legislation or programs
  • Scientific research
  • Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization
  • Individual scholarships
  • Personal development
  • Social travel and/or visits
  • Gifts or prizes
  • Venture capital or for-profit endeavors
  • Programs that duplicate existing programs
  • Requests for funding amounts between USD $10,000 and $150,000 will be considered in an open application process.
  • Cost sharing, whether in-kind or direct program support, is not required but is encouraged and welcome, and will be viewed favorably during the grant review process.

Eligibility Criteria

• PDS encourages applications from the United States and Guatemala:
  • Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations with programming experience
  • Individuals
  • Non-profit or governmental educational institutions

Ineligibility Criteria

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

For more information, visit Grants.gov.