Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Program in Suriname

PAS invites proposals from non-profit organizations, civil society organizations, and U.S. government alumni organizations to design and implement an entrepreneurship program based on either the DreamBuilder or the Najafi 100 Million Learners Global Initiative. The program should equip women entrepreneurs with skills and knowledge to grow their businesses and adapt to adverse economic situations while growing a local network of women-led businesses. The intended program should empower women entrepreneurs to realize their full economic potential.

The program may be held in several locations running cohorts of up to 30 participants and should include local facilitators, business leaders, and U.S. exchange alumni mentors.

Implemented by the U.S. Department of States’ Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), AWE supports women’s social and economic empowerment by providing women with the knowledge, networks, and access they need to launch or scale successful businesses and thereby participate in and excel in their local economies. By promoting women’s full participation in the economy, AWE aligns with both the United States’ Interim National Security Strategy and the National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality.

Program Objectives

The proposals should meet the following objectives:

• Provide resources for women to engage in U.S.-style online education with guided facilitation and localization from ECA exchange program alumni, local women business leaders, or other local partners.
• Foster networks that support participants’ access to peer-to-peer mentorship, business partners, and scaling opportunities with businesses in the region and in the United States.
• Build a network of female entrepreneurs that is committed to supporting and promoting relationships that help grow businesses and drive local partnerships, and
• Equip participants with skills and knowledge to build sustainable businesses.

Funding Information

• Length of performance period: 6 to 12 months
• Total available funding: $40,000.00
• Anticipated program start date:  August 01, 2024
• Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 12 months or less.

Responsibilities of the Awardee

The Recipient agrees to coordinate and administer the program and meet the specific objectives below:

• Recruitment of AWE participants ages 18 years and older, who have recently started a business or have demonstrated interest and progress in developing an entrepreneurial idea. Selected participants of this program should be comfortable taking a course and completing assignments in English and be willing to commit up to 4 hours a week for participation in the AWE.
• Design and promote the call for applications through traditional and/or social media platforms and organizational networks that will maximize the number of women reached, including women in underserved communities.
• Assume responsibility for receiving and reviewing applications and selecting the applicants/participants for this program.
• Arrange and identify all logistics related to hosting the opening and closing ceremonies as well as any other program events/activities.
• Identify a skilled and experienced facilitator who will lead class sessions, create content for the sessions that supports DreamBuilder program or 100 Million Learners’ Initiative content and is adaptable to reflect local practices and regulations in Suriname. The facilitator will be present for all sessions to provide program continuity.
• Assign a representative to review and provide guidance on participant’s business plans and pitch activities.
• Identify and contract external speakers for the workshop and the pitch competition.

Participants and Audiences

• Female citizens and residents from Suriname selected by a competitive application process. AWE participants should commit to complete the program, have proven computer skills, and have access to the Internet or a reliable data connection
• Ages 18 years and older
• Applicants from underserved communities
• Applicants’ business is not older than 2 years
• Applicants can also have a business idea

Eligible Applicants

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

• Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations
• Public and private educational institutions
• Individuals

For more information, visit U.S. Embassy in Suriname.