Academy of Women Entrepreneurs 2023 | AF WHK FY23 01

Opportunity Information: Apply for AF WHK FY23 01

The Academy of Women Entrepreneurs 2023 grant opportunity is a U.S. Department of State program administered by the U.S. Embassy in Namibia (Public Diplomacy Section) to fund one organization to design and run a new cohort of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE). The focus is on practical entrepreneurship training that helps women entrepreneurs strengthen and grow their businesses, build resilience in difficult economic conditions, and develop a supportive local network of women-led enterprises. The overall intent is economic empowerment: giving participants the tools, confidence, and connections needed to reach their full economic potential and sustain long-term business success.

This opportunity is offered as a cooperative agreement, meaning the selected implementer should expect an active partnership with the U.S. Embassy during planning and delivery rather than operating fully independently. The program design is expected to combine structured learning with mentorship and real-world engagement. Participants will attend facilitated in-person and virtual sessions and interact with established Namibian and American women entrepreneurs, alumni of U.S.-funded exchange programs, and other relevant experts who can add practical perspectives across different fields. A key requirement is that the proposal must include the DreamBuilder online interactive course as a core part of the curriculum. DreamBuilder is a structured training program that covers the fundamentals of starting and scaling a business, and applicants are expected to integrate it thoughtfully into the broader cohort experience rather than treating it as a stand-alone component.

Proposals should lay out a clear, detailed implementation plan and timeline for participant activities, showing how the cohort will move from training to application and business growth. The program can be delivered in multiple locations and may include several cohorts, with cohorts running at up to 30 participants each. Another central expectation is a strong American component, typically reflected through meaningful engagement with U.S. entrepreneurs, U.S. exchange alumni, U.S.-linked business expertise, or program content that highlights U.S. best practices in entrepreneurship and innovation while remaining relevant to the Namibian context.

Eligible applicants include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education institutions), and individuals, with the Embassy also encouraging proposals from non-profit organizations, civil society organizations, and U.S. government alumni organizations. The funding opportunity number is AF WHK FY23 01, under CFDA 19.022, with an award ceiling of USD 45,000 and an expectation of one award. The opportunity was posted on October 17, 2022, with an original closing date of November 17, 2022. The program falls under business and commerce, education, and employment/labor/training activity areas, reflecting its blend of skills development, entrepreneurship support, and economic participation goals for women.

• The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Namibia in the business and commerce, education, employment, labor and training sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Academy of Women Entrepreneurs 2023" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.022.
• This funding opportunity was created on Oct 17, 2022.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Nov 17, 2022. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $45,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Individuals.

Apply for AF WHK FY23 01

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