The U.S. Embassy Tbilisi, Georgia, through the Public Diplomacy Section, invites proposals for the 2025 Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program. This initiative aims to support female entrepreneurs in Georgia by equipping them with essential business knowledge, networking opportunities, and access to resources needed to launch or expand successful businesses. The program emphasizes promoting women’s economic participation and aligns with the U.S. National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality.

The AWE program combines the online DreamBuilder platform, developed by Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management in partnership with Freeport-McMoRan, with facilitated in-person or virtual mentorship sessions. Participants will gain business management skills, engage with mentors and peers, and have opportunities to participate in pitch competitions, entrepreneurship fairs, and industry networking events. The program also seeks to enhance collaboration between participants and U.S.-based businesses, promoting best practices and fostering sustainable partnerships.

Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations, civil society or non-governmental organizations, and individual alumni of U.S. government-funded or sponsored exchange programs residing in Georgia. While cost-sharing or in-kind contributions are encouraged, they are not mandatory. Applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active SAM.gov registration unless exempted under specific circumstances.

The grant will provide up to $35,000 for one award, with a performance period of up to 12 months. The anticipated start date for the program is summer 2025. Proposals must outline clear goals and objectives, detailed activities, a timeline, key personnel, and a monitoring and evaluation plan. Additionally, proposals should address sustainability and demonstrate how the program will support equity and engage underserved communities.

Applications are due by January 20, 2025, and must be submitted via email to tbilisigrants@state.gov. Required documents include mandatory federal forms (e.g., SF-424, SF-424A), a detailed proposal narrative, a budget justification narrative, CVs of key personnel, letters of support from partners, and any applicable NICRA documentation.

Proposals will be evaluated based on the quality and feasibility of the program idea, organizational capacity, program planning, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation plan, sustainability, and support for equity and underserved communities. Successful applicants will be required to submit periodic financial and narrative progress reports to ensure transparency and alignment with program goals. For further inquiries, applicants can contact tbilisigrants@state.gov.