Twenty-one women entrepreneurs graduated from the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program in Jakarta. The event, held on April 29, marked the end of a five-month training program designed to support women entrepreneurs through education, networking, and business opportunities. These graduates come from various sectors, including culinary, fashion, crafts, services, and health and wellness.
Participants underwent intensive training through a blended learning model. This included online education via the DreamBuilder platform, in-person workshops, mentoring sessions, and a business pitching session during the AWE Festival. The top three pitches received a total of IDR 25 million in seed funding for further development.
U.S. Embassy Jakarta Public Diplomacy Officer Mary Trechock commented, “This program is about more than just business—it’s about opportunity and building a future where women-led enterprises can thrive. We are proud to support the next generation of women entrepreneurs in Indonesia who are not only strengthening their communities but also contributing to the country’s economic resilience.”
The AWE program, launched by the U.S. Department of State in 2019, aims to equip women worldwide with the skills to grow their businesses. The program has reached over 25,000 women in nearly 100 countries. In Indonesia, the AWE program seeks to address the gender gap in business, as highlighted by the Global Gender Gap Report 2022, where Indonesia ranks 92nd out of 146 countries.
The program plays a significant role in strengthening the U.S. alumni network in Indonesia, especially among those involved in entrepreneurship. Alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs have served as mentors, offering expertise and support to new women entrepreneurs. This creates a network of sustainable women-led businesses.
Continuing collaboration between the U.S. Embassy, private sector partners, and local institutions aims to enhance the impact of the AWE program in Indonesia. The goal is to equip more women with the necessary tools to succeed and lead their businesses, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities.