Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) is an initiative from the United States government to support and empower women entrepreneurs around the world. The main objective of the 2024 Academy for Women Entrepreneurs in Cambodia is to empower women

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What is the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs?

The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) is an initiative from the United States government to support and empower women entrepreneurs around the world. AWE gives enterprising women the knowledge, networks, and access they need to launch and scale successful businesses and harnesses the power of public-private sponsors, local partnerships, and U.S. Exchange Alumni networks to help women and their businesses grow.

Funded by U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh, Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia and Impact Hub will launch and facilitate Cambodia’s inaugural AWE class.

By completing this program, you will;

Be one of the first Cambodians to graduate from the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs.
Engage in U.S.-style online education that offers in-person guidance and facilitation from U.S. Exchange Alumni, business leaders, academics, and other partners.
Foster Partnerships. Through AWE, women have access to peer-to-peer mentorship, business partners, and scaling opportunities with businesses in the region and in the United States.
Benefit from the mentor pool of AWE programs, receiving valuable support from industry experts to accelerate business growth.
Access opportunities to showcase your business and secure seed funding for business expansion and product development.
Join the network of AWE graduates from over 80 countries.
Become eligible for exchange and funding opportunities available only to members of the International Exchange Alumni Network.
Be a part of establishing a nurturing, supportive network of female entrepreneurs in Cambodia.

Our program journey

Launch AWE Cambodia

AWE online course enrollment
Participants take the AWE online course
Weekly check-in with the Cambodia AWE team (online or in-person)
Field Visit

Mentoring Session

AWE Exhibition and Closing Event

Follow-on Project

Who can apply?

This program is free of charge. To qualify, participants must meet the following criteria:

Woman between the ages of 20-40 years old.
Has owned and operated her current business for one to three years.
Currently lives in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap.
Must be able to follow a university level business course entirely in English.
Has basic computer skills.
Applicants must be dedicated to improving their business with the support of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs. This includes applying program knowledge, setting growth goals, and actively seeking opportunities for innovation and improvement.

FAQs

What is the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs?

With funding provided by the U.S. Embassy and programming content through the Arizona State University Thunderbird School of Global Management, Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia and Impact Hub will organize and launch AWE Cambodia’s inaugural class with the objective of empowering women entrepreneurs in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap through business education and building a community and nurturing support network for women entrepreneurs in Cambodia.

Who can apply for the program?

Applicants must be women Cambodian business owners, aged 20-40, who have owned and operated their businesses for one to three years in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. They should have basic computer skills and be proficient in English (reading, speaking). Applicants must be dedicated to improving their business with AWE support by meeting program requirements, applying program knowledge, setting growth goals, and seeking innovation opportunities.

How can I apply for the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs?

To apply, visit our website and complete the application form

Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and submit all required information by the specified deadline.

What are the commitments required for the program?

If selected, participants must commit to the program's 9 months duration, which includes participation in online learning through the DreamBuilder platform, as well as mandatory in-person events, such as the program launch, training sessions, field trips, masterclasses, Exhibition Day, graduation and closing ceremony, post-program support, etc.

What does the program offer?

The program offers a comprehensive package, including access to a U.S. university-developed curriculum, masterclasses, field visits, eligibility to apply for competitive seed funding, coaching and mentoring, and the inclusive invitation to program launch and the AWE Exhibition Day. In addition, AWE graduattes benefit from engaging with the International Exchange Alumni of U.S. government programs, which has millions of members worldwide and thousands of alumni in every country. Exchange Alumni come from all backgrounds and sectors and are often experts in their fields. The International Exchange Alumni Network brings AWE graduates into a larger network that enables them to amplify their learning and interact with local and global communities of leaders and influencers who connect, empower, and inspire.

According to a 2021 survey of women who completed AWE, 74 percent of AWE graduates report earning higher revenues and 29 percent hire more staff. These findings show that the AWE program model promotes local prosperity by helping women-led businesses generate more income and create jobs in communities around the world.

Will I win seed funding for my business?

Pending availability, up to three entrepreneurs may each receive $2000 in seed funding to support their business and receive the post-program support.