The U.S. Embassy in Ulaanbaatar has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the 2025 Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program, seeking an organization to manage and implement the initiative. This opportunity, which stands pointedly as part of a Trump Administration initiative from 2019 to empower women entrepreneurs globally, comes with a funding potential of up to $35,000 and aims to support businesswomen in Mongolia.
This one-year funding opportunity will begin in September 2025, subject to funding availability. Successful applicants will manage the AWE program locally, tasked with recruiting 25 to 30 English-speaking female entrepreneurs from Mongolia. Participants of this program will gain access to crucial business skills, helping drive economic prosperity while also acting as a deterrent to illegal migration.
"The U.S. State Department established the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) in 2019 as a Trump Administration initiative to empower women entrepreneurs in key world regions with the skills and networks needed to launch or scale successful small businesses," according to the program description.
Applicants are encouraged to utilize the DreamBuilder platform or the Najafi 100 Million Learners Global Initiative for program delivery. Both platforms provide essential business courses, with DreamBuilder offering modules on marketing, pricing, and bookkeeping, and the Najafi curriculum providing a broader scope of entrepreneurship education in several languages. Proposals should clearly state which platform they will use.
Those applying must demonstrate partnerships with local entities and foster mentoring relationships, tapping into U.S. Exchange Alumni networks and local businesses. An effective communication plan, including outreach efforts through social media and other media channels, is also emphasized. The application deadline for proposals is April 9, 2025.
Proposals will be assessed on various criteria, including design, alumni engagement, communication strategy, and budget feasibility. The successful proposal will require collaboration between the implementing partner and the U.S. Embassy Ulaanbaatar. Any changes to the program will need approval from the Embassy, ensuring all aspects align with Federal anti-discrimination laws and do not violate any associated Executive Orders.
Overall, the 2025 iteration of the AWE program aims to sustain worldwide economic empowerment for women entrepreneurs, while also facilitating learning and community connections across more than 100 countries.