The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) 2025 Canada is a funding opportunity offered by the U.S. Department of State, administered by the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa. This cooperative agreement aims to provide professional skills, business knowledge, and networking opportunities to women entrepreneurs from under-represented backgrounds in Quebec, Canada. The program will train approximately 30 participants, combining globally recognized online learning platforms with localized mentorship and facilitation. The total available funding for the award is $35,000, with proposals ranging between $25,000 and $35,000. Projects must be completed within a 12-month period, starting no earlier than September 2025.

The program's objectives include training women entrepreneurs in foundational business skills such as strategic planning, marketing, and finance. The initiative also focuses on empowering participants to develop scalable business models, fostering an understanding of social enterprises, increasing the number of women-led businesses in Canada, and establishing a support network of female entrepreneurs and investors. The program is divided into three phases: developing and recruiting participants, training the cohort using platforms such as DreamBuilder or Thunderbird’s 100 Million Learners courses, and concluding with a showcase event that includes investor engagement and a pitch competition.

Eligible applicants include U.S. and Canadian registered non-profit organizations, alumni of U.S. government-funded exchange programs in Canada, non-profit media organizations, professional trade associations, and educational institutions. For-profit entities are not eligible. While cost sharing or matching is not required, it is encouraged for applicants offering additional resources. All organizations must obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and have active registration in SAM.gov before receiving an award.

Applicants must submit a complete proposal that includes a program summary, organizational background, problem statement, project goals and activities, monitoring and evaluation plans, and a budget justification. The proposal must clearly address program objectives, provide a recruitment strategy for participants, and include sustainability plans for post-program continuation. Additional attachments include resumes of key personnel, letters of support from partners, and official permission letters, if required. Applications are due by January 15, 2025, and must be submitted via email to Ottawa-PA@state.gov.

Proposals will be evaluated based on several criteria: quality and feasibility of the program, organizational capacity, program planning and objectives, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation plans, sustainability, and support for equity and underserved communities. A review committee will assess eligible applications, and award notifications will be issued following the decision. The U.S. Embassy will oversee project implementation, including approval of program content, participant recruitment, and event logistics.

Recipients must comply with U.S. federal reporting requirements, including financial and programmatic reporting throughout the grant period. A final report is due within 120 days of the grant’s completion. The U.S. Embassy may also request additional information regarding program performance and financial records during implementation. Program activities are expected to highlight gender equity, expand opportunities for women entrepreneurs, and advance social and economic inclusion.