The Center for Global Enterprise (CGE), a nonprofit, nonpartisan research institute is accepting applications for its new flagship program, the African Women Entrepreneurship Cooperative (AWEC).
The applications began on 31 January 2018 for the inaugural 2018-2019 program year and end on 14 February 2018.
AWEC is a one-of-a-kind, 12-month training program that builds a pan-African community of women entrepreneurs and business owners and empowers them with the strategy, leadership and business management skills needed for growth and economic advancement.
“We heard a clear message from alumni of our global learning programs that they need more equal access to business learning, mentorship, and a strong peer network,” said Christopher Caine, president of the Center for Global Enterprise. “This has proven to be particularly true for women entrepreneurs across Africa, who face a unique set of barriers, including societal pressures, unequal business networking opportunities, and a sense of confidence in their abilities.”
The innovative blended learning program at the core of AWEC leverages:
- Live video learning sessions led by world-class business and academic experts
- Peer sessions that apply new learnings, develop soft skills, and build a pan-African peer network
- Course activities – delivered through a highly-interactive online learning platform – that encourage knowledge application and cross-cultural collaboration
- Mentoring and coaching from mid-career and senior business professionals
- Constructive feedback on assignments from instructors, teaching assistants, and peers
- In-person Leadership Summits that take place twice per year in Africa and provide in-person training and networking opportunities
AWEC has secured philanthropic support to underwrite the program costs for all participants.
“AWEC is an inclusive program and we encourage women from across Africa and its diaspora to apply,” said Karen Sippel, managing director of the African Women Entrepreneurship Cooperative. “We welcome not only the savvy business woman who has successfully run her company for many years and needs additional management skills to scale, but also the employee who has identified a need in her society and aspires to build a company to meet that need. We hope that AWEC is the spark that enables the next great generation of African women entrepreneurs.”
Individuals interested in learning more about AWEC, its curriculum, benefits, and how to apply should visit www.thecge.net/awec. Full program information will be available online beginning 29 January 2018.
