African Women Entrepreneurship Cooperative (AWEC) Programme 2025 for African Female Entrepreneurs
Are you an African woman, Do you own a striving business in Africa and wish to meet like minds on the continent? Do you own a product or service that you envision as the next big thing as an entrepreneur?
If your answer to any of the above questions is yes, then AWEC Cohort 8 is your opportunity to grow your business and connect with the best female entrepreneurs around the continent. See how to apply today and start your journey towards greater heights.
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About African Women Entrepreneurship Cooperative
AWEC is the accelerant behind hundreds of African female entrepreneurs who have transformed and grown their businesses. We are seeking the next 200 women who are ready to join our cohort for a high-impact applied learning experience.
From 19 January 2025 – 2nd February 2024, AWEC will accept applications for its highly selective leadership and business management capacity-building program. This program is designed for African women entrepreneurs seeking to expand their knowledge, increase their skills, broaden their network, and make lifelong connections.
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Who Can Apply for AWEC Cohort 8?
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
- AWEC admissions do not discriminate based on race, religion, age, disability, marital status, education, business revenue, or geographic location.
Please note: For those living in the diaspora, your business must impact Africa through the creation or delivery of its products or services, or based on where its customers reside.
Benefits for AWEC Cohort
Upon successful completion of the 12-month program, successful candidates for this program will enjoy the following benefits;
- 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
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 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
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Important Requirements to Consider Before Application
All AWEC Fellows must have reliable access to the Internet, at least once per week. AWEC requires Fellows to participate in video conference calls, which generally require more bandwidth than typical Internet browsing.
Commencement Date and Program Plan
- Cohort 5 will run from June 2025 to May 2026. There is a four-week online orientation period during May.
We typically host two events during the program – at the halfway mark and the end. While these experiences provide valuable learning and networking opportunities, participation is not mandatory.
How to Apply for African Women Entrepreneurship Cooperative (AWEC) Programme 2025
Interested and eligible candidates should complete their application form online by visiting the AWEC Cohort application portal here https://awec.smapply.org/
While on the portal, click on register to commence your registration process.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for this program is 2nd February 2025.
More information can be found here
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