African Women Entrepreneurship Cooperative (AWEC) – Cohort 5

Hundreds of African female entrepreneurs have altered and grown their enterprises as a result of AWEC. We’re looking for the next 200 women who want to be a part of our high-impact applied learning cohort.

AWEC will accept applications for its extremely selective leadership and business management capacity building program from January 17 through January 30, 2022. This program is for African women entrepreneurs who want to learn more, improve their abilities, grow their network, and build lifelong connections.

Who Should Apply

This is for Women who are:

• Founders of businesses that have been in operation for at least two years in any industry and have at least two employees (either full time or part time) OR women who have a strong business concept and plan to launch their business within the next year
• Founders of social enterprises are encouraged to apply; founders of NGOs or nonprofit organizations are no longer eligible for the 12-month program
• Citizens of any African country, currently living on the continent or in the diaspora
• Comfortable with remote teamwork and collaboration, especially using digital tools
• Proficient in verbal and written English
• Able to regularly (at least weekly) access the Internet through a computer or tablet

Please note: For those living in the diaspora, your business must clearly impact Africa through the creation or delivery of its products or services, or based on where its customers reside.

What We Look For:

AWEC seeks to build diverse cohorts in which Fellows share some consistent characteristics:

• Vision and resiliency
• Business clarity and market knowledge
• Commitment to building their businesses
• Motivation to be part of a yearlong learning experience

What to Expect

This program is rigorous and time intensive. Fellows should expect to:

• Spend an average of 4 to 6 hours per week participating in AWEC activities, primarily online
• Participate in at least one AWEC activity per week throughout the program, including Zoom-enabled meetings
• Be challenged, stretched, and inspired as they acquire new knowledge 
• Develop skills, build their peer network, and transform their businesses
• Be matched with a mentor and to take ownership of their mentor/mentee relationship
• Be introduced to a peer group, and actively contribute to group discussions and activities
• Gain access to a program advisor from whom they can seek support when needed
• Respond to periodic surveys to improve the overall experience

Program Benefits

Upon successful completion of the 12-month program, Fellows will:

• Form connections with a diverse network of African women entrepreneurs
• Establish a relationship with a senior business mentor
• Strengthen strategy, leadership and business management skills
• Gain skills in finance, marketing, and strategy needed to grow and scale their enterprise
• Develop a toolkit of soft skills, including self-confidence, resilience, collaboration, and cross-cultural communications

Application Process

Application dateline is 30th January 2022

Click here to apply

Visit the official website for more information

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