APPLY: 200 Nigerians to benefit as US announces training for female entrepreneurs

The US consulate general in Lagos has partnered Ascend Studios Foundation to implement the 2021 academy for women entrepreneurs (AWE) programme.

The US government initiative, which aims to support women entrepreneurs around the world, will select 200 participants from the 17 states of southern Nigeria for its 2021 cohort, among which there would be 50 female returnees.

Speaking on the programme, Stephen Ibielli, US consulate public affairs officer, said women are critical to the growth of the country because when properly equipped, they will bring about development.

“Women have a key role to play in Nigeria’s future prosperity. As we have seen time and time again, when women do better, countries do better, communities do better, and families do better,” Ibelli said.

“As part of this highly competitive entrepreneurship program, participants who graduate from the programme gain automatic membership to the US government exchange alumni community, providing access to a vast network of like-minded and highly regarded professionals across the country.

“Also, leading local business leaders will help facilitate the intensive program scheduled to run from July to September 2021. Participants will receive access to DreamBuilder, a blended business training course developed through a partnership between Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management and global copper mining company Freeport-McMoRan.”

On her part, Inya Lawal, chief executive officer of Ascend Studios Foundation, said there are huge opportunities that come with the programme.

“We are delighted that the US consulate general in Lagos has partnered with us to implement this programme, the largest yet. AWE is a transformative initiative that is helping women in Nigeria build and sustain their businesses; the opportunities that come from this program are immense,” she said.

The application portal, which is now open, will close on July 15, 2021.

Female entrepreneurs interested in participating in the AWE programme can apply here.