The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) 2025 program, administered by the U.S. Mission to Suriname, invites proposals for initiatives aimed at fostering female entrepreneurship in Suriname. The program seeks to equip women entrepreneurs with skills to build sustainable businesses, connect them with networks for mentorship and collaboration, and support peer-driven growth opportunities. The total funding available is $35,000, with awards ranging between $250 and $35,000. The program's anticipated start date is August 1, 2025, and projects must be completed within 12 months.

Proposals should meet several objectives, including providing U.S.-style online entrepreneurial education adapted to local practices, fostering networks that facilitate business scaling, and building a community of female entrepreneurs committed to mutual support. Key activities include participant recruitment, program facilitation, collaboration with U.S. Embassy representatives, and implementing a monitoring and evaluation plan to measure program impact. Applicants must also submit follow-up activity plans to ensure sustainability.

Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations, educational institutions, and individuals. Organizations must be registered on SAM.gov and provide a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Proposals are limited to one submission per organization and must be in English, formatted according to specified guidelines, and submitted via email to paramaribo-grants@state.gov by January 1, 2025.

Applications should include a four-page proposal covering the program's goals, objectives, implementation strategies, and expected outcomes. A budget justification narrative must accompany the standard federal budget form (SF-424A), detailing personnel costs, travel expenses, supplies, equipment, and other direct costs. Cost-sharing is not required but is encouraged to demonstrate stakeholder commitment.

Evaluation criteria assign equal weight to program design, alumni engagement, outreach plans, monitoring and evaluation strategies, and budget feasibility, with each category rated up to 20 points. A review committee will assess all eligible applications based on these criteria. Federal award notices will be issued after review, with payments made in installments tied to reporting milestones.

The program emphasizes collaboration with the U.S. Embassy, incorporating alumni from U.S. exchange programs as facilitators or speakers, and targeting underserved communities. Recipients must maintain participant records, provide regular updates, and submit financial and performance reports as specified in the award documentation. For more information, applicants can contact the Paramaribo Grants Team at paramaribo-grants@state.gov.