The **Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) 2025** program, administered by the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka, supports aspiring women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh by providing them with practical business training, mentorship, and networking opportunities. AWE leverages platforms like DreamBuilder and the Najafi 100 Million Learners Global Initiative to equip women with skills in strategic planning, finance, marketing, and other foundational business areas. The program aims to address barriers to women’s economic participation, with a focus on empowering women from marginalized and underserved communities.

A total of $35,000 in funding is available for one award, with anticipated funding amounts ranging between $25,000 and $35,000. The grant will fund a performance period of up to 12 months, starting on or after July 1, 2025. Eligible applicants include legally recognized non-profit organizations, non-governmental organizations, think tanks, educational institutions, and public international organizations. For-profit entities are not eligible. Proposals must include a strong American component, such as guest teaching by U.S. experts or alumni engagement.

The program requires participants to engage in hybrid learning through online courses and localized facilitation by experts, complemented by activities like mentorship sessions, site visits, and networking events. Proposals should focus on training 25-30 women entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds, with measurable goals including income growth, job creation, and scalable business development. Proposals must also incorporate long-term alumni engagement strategies such as workshops, networking, and regional events to sustain the program's impact.

Applicants must submit a comprehensive application, including a detailed proposal (up to 4 pages), a monitoring and evaluation plan, and a line-item budget with justification. Proposals will be evaluated based on their alignment with program objectives, innovation, feasibility, engagement with U.S. government alumni, and sustainability. Monitoring and evaluation criteria include clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and a strong theory of change. Applicants must demonstrate organizational capacity, experience in managing grants, and the ability to implement the program effectively.

All applications are due by **January 15, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. BST** and must be submitted via email to **DhakaGrants@state.gov**. Applicants are required to have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and active registration in SAM.gov. Supporting documents such as resumes of key personnel, proof of non-profit status, and letters of support from partners should also be included. Budgets should comply with U.S. government guidelines, avoiding costs like construction, direct social services, or entertainment.

The review process includes technical and merit evaluations based on criteria such as program quality, organizational capacity, and outreach plans. Selected applicants will receive award notices, with project implementation expected to begin in mid-2025. Awardees must comply with reporting requirements, including financial and programmatic updates, as outlined in the award agreement. The program prioritizes inclusivity, supporting underserved communities and advancing principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

For more information, applicants can contact **DhakaGrants@state.gov** or visit the U.S. Embassy Dhaka website.