The U.S. Embassy in Bolivia and the Fundación Emprender Futuro marked the graduation of 69 women entrepreneurs on May 29. These individuals participated in the fourth edition of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE Bolivia), conducted in La Paz and El Alto, aiming to enhance women's economic leadership. Three participants were awarded seed capital for their projects' innovation, scalability, and social impact.
Chief of Mission Debra Hevia addressed attendees at the ceremony, expressing admiration for the graduates and reiterating the U.S. government's support for entrepreneurship. "We are here to celebrate your courage, creativity, and resilience—qualities that define the spirit of women entrepreneurs," said Chief of Mission Hevia. She highlighted that businesses not only bolster local economies but also foster connections with the United States and promote mutual prosperity.
Since its inception in Bolivia in 2021, AWE has become a significant platform for women's empowerment, with over 746 women graduating from all nine departments across the country.
"The AWE program benefits not only Bolivia but also strengthens ties between our nations. AWE entrepreneurs are creating jobs, driving innovation, and building a fairer and more equitable future. Each of their individual achievements is also a step forward for society as a whole," added Chief of Mission Hevia.
Allison Silva, Director of Fundación Emprender Futuro, was acknowledged along with her team for their guidance during the training process. Over four months, participants in La Paz focused on strategic business development through specialized mentorships, business management tools, and networking opportunities.
The event concluded with an appeal to continue fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems rooted in collaboration, continuous learning, and solidarity among women. AWE Bolivia seeks to nurture business leaders while empowering innovators.