Call for Applications: AWE LESA 2024 Applications Now Open
We are excited to announce that the U.S. Embassy in South Africa and the Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) have partnered once again to implement the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE LESA) program in South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini.
This year, AWE LESA aims to equip 100 women between the ages of 21 and 35 who have been operating businesses for 1 to 3 years with essential business skills necessary for growth and scalability.
Centered around the Francis and Dionne Najafi 100 Million Learners Global Initiative, the program offers an accredited online certificate in management and entrepreneurship, featuring five world-class courses. Participants not only gain core business skills but also benefit from the support of the program local partnerships, industry experts and U.S. Exchange Alumni networks, all aimed at enhancing their business capabilities.
The program's overarching goal is to foster economic growth and prosperity while empowering women to create brighter futures for their families and communities.
WHO CAN APPLY?
- Young women (aged 21 – 35);
- Early-stage entrepreneurs (with businesses in operation for 1-3 years);
- Citizens/legal residents of South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini;
- Read, write, speak and listen to the program in English;
- Reside within 40km of one of the seven program cities: Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Polokwane, Maseru, Manzini, and Pietermaritzburg;
- Commit to weekly in-person training sessions at a designated American Space of the U.S. Missions to Lesotho, Eswatini and South Africa;
- Commit to up to 5 hours of weekly programmatic assignments; and
- Basic computer skills, access to a computer with a data plan to access program content and activities.
Click here to find out more about AWE LESA.
Applications close August 4, 2024, at 11:59 pm South Africa Standard Time (SAST).
THERE IS NO COST TO APPLICANTS AT ANY STAGE.
If you have any questions, please contact info@awieforum.org.
Thank you for your support in helping us empower women entrepreneurs in Southern Africa.