The Application Will Close at 11:59 UTC on 31 January 2021
AWEC is the accelerant behind hundreds of African female entrepreneurs who have transformed and grown their businesses. We are seeking the next 200 women who are ready to join our cohort for a high-impact applied learning experience.
From 18 January 2021 – 31 January 2021, AWEC will accept applications for its highly selective leadership and business management capacity building program. This program is designed for African women entrepreneurs seeking to expand their knowledge, increase their skills, broaden their network, and make lifelong connections.
Who Should Apply
Women who are:
Founders of businesses that have been in operation for at least two years in any industry and have at least two employees (either full time or part time) OR women who have a strong business concept and plan to launch their business within the next year
Founders of social enterprises are encouraged to apply; founders of NGOs or nonprofit organizations are no longer eligible for the 12-month program
Citizens of any African country, currently living on the continent or in the diaspora
Comfortable with remote teamwork and collaboration, especially using digital tools
Proficient in verbal and written English
Able to regularly (at least weekly) access the Internet through a computer or tablet
AWEC admissions do not discriminate based on race, religion, age, disability, marital status, education, business revenue, or geographic location.
Please note: For those living in the diaspora, your business must clearly impact Africa through the creation or delivery of its products or services, or based on where its customers reside.
What We Look For
AWEC seeks to build diverse cohorts in which Fellows share some consistent characteristics:
Vision and resiliency
Business clarity and market knowledge
Commitment to building their businesses
Motivation to be part of a yearlong learning experience
What to Expect
This program is rigorous and time intensive. Fellows should expect to:
Spend an average of 4 to 6 hours per week participating in AWEC activities, primarily online
Participate in at least one AWEC activity per week throughout the program, including Zoom-enabled meetings
Be challenged, stretched, and inspired as they acquire new knowledge
Develop skills, build their peer network, and transform their businesses
Be matched with a mentor and to take ownership of their mentor/mentee relationship
Be introduced to a peer group, and actively contribute to group discussions and activities
Gain access to a program advisor from whom they can seek support when needed
Respond to periodic surveys to improve the overall experience
Please seriously consider these commitments before applying and/or accepting an offer to participate in AWEC.
All AWEC Fellows must have reliable access to the Internet, at least once per week. AWEC requires Fellows to participate in video conference calls, which generally requires more bandwidth than typical Internet browsing.
Upon successful completion of the 12-month program, Fellows will:
Form connections with a diverse network of African women entrepreneurs
Establish a relationship with a senior business mentor
Strengthen strategy, leadership and business management skills
Gain skills in finance, marketing, and strategy needed to grow and scale their enterprise
Develop a toolkit of soft skills, including self-confidence, resilience, collaboration, and cross-cultural communications
Important Dates
Cohort 4 will run from June 2021 to May 2022. There is a two-week online orientation period during the last two weeks of May 2021.
We typically host two events during the program – at the halfway mark and at the end. Given the ongoing impact and uncertainties of COVID-19, it is unknown at this time if these events will be in-person or virtual for Cohort 4. While these experiences provide valuable learning and networking opportunities, participation is not mandatory.
