Grants / Department of State / U.S. Mission to Bangladesh

PDS-DHAKA-NOFO-FY2025-02: Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) 2025

Closed Closed January 15, 2025 Opportunity PDS-DHAKA-NOFO-FY2025-02 ☆ Save

This grant is closed. Who won this program's grants before is below, and similar open grants are at the end of the page. It is in our archive of U.S. Mission to Bangladesh notices from 2024.

• Award ceiling$35,000
• Award floor$25,000
• Total funding$35,000
• Expected awards1
• Cost sharingNot required
• Funding typeGrant

Key dates

Who can apply

This opportunity was open to the applicants described in the notice.

• Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)

The following organizations are eligible to apply: • Not-for-profit organizations • Civil society/non-governmental organizations • Think tanks • Public and private educational institutions • Public International Organizations and Governmental institutions For-profit entities, even those that may fall into the categories listed above, are not eligible to apply for this NOFO. Organizations may sub-contract with other entities, but only one, non-profit, non-governmental entity can be the prime recipient of the award. When sub-contracting with other entities, the responsibilities of each entity must be clearly defined in the proposal. For more information on the difference between sub-contract and sub-recipient, please refer to 2 CFR 200.331.

Is this a realistic fit?

• Past Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs Appropriation Overseas Grants awards averaged $17,021; this notice allows up to $35,000 per award.
• No cost sharing or match is required.

What the grant funds

The U.S. Embassy's Public Diplomacy Section in Dhaka invites proposals for the 2025 Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program in Bangladesh. Eligible organizations must be legally recognized non-profits or non-governmental entities that comply with U.S. and Bangladeshi technical and legal standards for implementing Public Diplomacy programs, as outlined in Section B. The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) equips women with the knowledge, tools, and connections needed to start and grow successful businesses. By fostering entrepreneurial skills and promoting financial independence, the program creates opportunities for women to overcome barriers to economic participation. With a focus on empowering women from underserved and marginalized communities, AWE prepares participants to thrive in the private sector and contribute meaningfully to their local economies. 1. Project Background, Goals, and Objectives The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) was launched by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) in 2019 to address the barriers women face in starting and scaling businesses. The program empowers women by providing access to practical, no-cost online business education and localized coaching and mentorship. It leverages platforms like DreamBuilder, created in partnership with Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management and the Freeport-McMoRan Foundation, and the Najafi 100 Million Learners Global Initiative to deliver flexible, high-impact training in core business skills. AWE also fosters peer-to-peer learning, mentorship, and networking opportunities with U.S. exchange alumni and local business leaders. In Bangladesh, AWE addresses the critical challenges women entrepreneurs encounter, such as limited access to finance, professional networks, and structured business training. These challenges are compounded by socio-economic barriers that often restrict women's participation in the economy. Previous projects have demonstrated that combining U.S.-style online learning with localized facilitation and mentorship significantly enhances participants' skills, confidence, and economic outcomes. AWE alumni have reported substantial improvements in their businesses, with 74% achieving higher incomes and 29% hiring additional staff, showcasing the program's potential to drive local prosperity.

Category: Employment, Labor and Training.

Applying now

This notice no longer takes applications. Agencies often post the same opportunity again under a new number, so check the program's notices on Grants.gov and the similar open grants below.

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