POBNEWS24, Dhaka Jan 8, 2025 : The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka, in collaboration with the Center for Entrepreneurship Development (CED) at BRAC University, recognized six exceptional women entrepreneurs for their creative and impactful business ideas in the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Business Pitch Competition.
The event was held at the Kennedy Hall of the EMK Center in the capital on Wednesday (January 8).
Acting Charge d’Affaires Megan Boldin presided over the event and recognized the winners. She reiterated the U.S. government’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs.
Boldin said these extraordinary women embody the innovation and tenacity needed to accelerate sustainable economic growth in Bangladesh.
The winners were selected from among the participants in the first and second phases of the AWE. They represent different regions of Bangladesh, including Sylhet, Comilla, Barisal, Khagrachari, Jessore, Chittagong, and Dhaka. Each winner demonstrated extraordinary entrepreneurial potential through their business pitch proposals.
The AWE program, which launched in Bangladesh in 2022, has trained more than 140 women entrepreneurs from across the country. Implemented in collaboration with the Center for Entrepreneurship Development at BRAC University, the program focuses on equipping women with essential business skills, including marketing, financing, and strategic planning.
In particular, the initiative emphasizes supporting women from marginalized and economically disadvantaged communities, including ethnic minorities and small groups.
Boldin said that programs like AWE are transforming lives by providing women with the skills, resources, and networks they need to succeed in business. When women thrive, the entire society and economy benefit.
The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs is a flagship initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, which promotes inclusive economic growth, entrepreneurship, and women’s leadership in Bangladesh. Implemented in collaboration with BRAC University’s Center for Entrepreneurship Development (CED), the program empowers women from indigenous, minority, and marginalized communities to become changemakers.
After completing two phases in Bangladesh, AWE has built a network of vibrant entrepreneurs who are making a positive impact on society, creating jobs, and inspiring others. Building on this success, CED plans to launch more advanced training and mentoring services that will further empower women and help reduce economic inequality in Bangladesh.
The U.S. Embassy’s collaboration with BRAC University reflects a shared commitment to meeting the needs of marginalized women entrepreneurs and developing small and medium enterprises in Bangladesh. The AWE program is aligned with the U.S. National Gender Equality and Equity Strategy, which accelerates women’s full economic participation and strengthens communities and industries.
