NOFO: Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Program in India
Deadline: 12-May-22
The U.S. Mission to India is seeking applications for its Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program.
The program will promote business growth and expansion, and the adoption of innovation and technology in existing enterprises, and will introduce opportunities for funding. Women’s economic empowerment is central to realizing women’s rights and gender equality.
Objectives
The grantee will build on the already existing partnerships with the private sector and government agencies in West Bengal and Sikkim to focus on a results-oriented entrepreneurship program to directly train a cohort of 100-120 women entrepreneurs, preferably with a background in STEM education, tech-enabled business, or willing to explore the use of technology in a social enterprise, across multiple cities, over a period of 18 months.
This will be done through a hybrid module of online Dream builder training and in-person boot camp and “shark tank” styled pitch-mentoring sessions to promote business growth and expansion, adoption of innovation and technology in existing enterprises, and funding opportunities.
Goals
Promote U.S.-India Partnership by connecting female entrepreneurs with information and expertise that will empower women to become business leaders in their communities.
This project is expected to advance this goal by:
Promoting a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship with a focus on women’s empowerment.
Promoting U.S.-India partnership through exchange of information and expertise with a focus on entrepreneurship; and
Creating women role models in order to encourage entrepreneurship as a first career choice among the youth population.
Theory of Change: If women-led businesses succeed, it results in the employment of more women; increased investment in sectors of health, nutrition, and education; and the creation of an ecosystem where women are able to gain incomes, advocate for their own independence, and take on a fuller societal role in their respective communities.
Funding Information
Funding Mechanism Type: Cooperative Agreement AND/OR Grant
Estimated Total Project Funding: USD 95,000
Estimated Award Ceiling (Maximum): USD 95,000
Estimated Award Floor (Minimum): USD 50,000
Length of Project Period: Not to exceed 18 months
Anticipated program start date: July 1, 2022
Project Audience(s): Early-stage female entrepreneurs (18-40 years of age), married or single, preferably with a background in STEM education, engaged in tech-enabled businesses, or willing to explore the use of technology in a social enterprise. They should have a working knowledge of computers, access to the internet, and a level three knowledge of English.
Eligibility Criteria
The following organizations are eligible to apply:
Not-for-profit organizations
Civil society/non-governmental organizations
Think tanks
Public and private educational institutions
Individuals
Public International Organizations and Governmental institutions
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=339433