The US Embassy in Dhaka, in collaboration with BRAC University's Center for Entrepreneurship Development (CED), celebrated six exceptional women entrepreneurs who emerged as winners of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Business Pitch Competition.
The event was held at Kennedy Hall in the EMK Center, Dhaka, reads a press release.
Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Megan Bouldin presided over the ceremony, lauding the winners for their innovative and impactful business ideas. "These outstanding women represent the innovation and resilience needed to drive sustainable economic growth in Bangladesh," Bouldin said, reaffirming the U.S. government’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs.
The winners were selected from AWE Cohorts one and two, representing diverse regions across Bangladesh, including Sylhet, Cumilla, Barishal, Khagrachari, Jashore, Chattogram, and Dhaka. Each demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurial potential through their business pitches.
Since its launch in Bangladesh in 2022, the AWE program has trained over 140 women entrepreneurs, focusing on essential business skills such as marketing, finance, and strategic planning. The program particularly emphasizes supporting women from marginalized and economically disadvantaged communities, including indigenous and minority groups.
"Programs like AWE are transforming lives by empowering women with the skills, resources, and networks needed to succeed in business. When women thrive, entire communities and economies benefit," said Chargé Bouldin.
This year, 90 participants from Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet completed the program, which included training in sustainability, peer-to-peer learning, and networking. The three-month course, conducted in Bangla, equipped participants with crucial business knowledge and skills to support their entrepreneurial journeys.
A flagship initiative of the US Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, AWE promotes inclusive economic growth, entrepreneurship, and women’s leadership in Bangladesh. The program aims to empower women to become changemakers, foster job creation, and inspire their communities.
Building on its success, CED plans to introduce advanced training and mentoring to further empower women and address economic disparities in Bangladesh.
The US Embassy’s partnership with BRAC University reflects a shared commitment to supporting underrepresented women entrepreneurs and fostering the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The initiative aligns with the US National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality, advancing women’s full economic participation and strengthening communities and industries.
