A cademy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) 2020 is a US State Department project, where in Africa; AWE 2020 is operational in several African countries. For Ethiopia, the Center for Accelerated Women’s Economic Empowerment (CAWEE) will be the lead implementing organization, where the Center will partner with the US Embassy Addis Ababa in implementing the project.

The one year business-focused program aims to train 100 women from Addis Ababa and 50 from Baher Dar; 150 women in total operating at different levels, like: start-ups, innovators, manufacturers, retailers, importers, exporters, etc. involved in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

As a result of their participation in the training, women will develop both the soft-skills and business skills necessary to start, grow and scale-up their businesses. In addition, they will become part of a network of women supporting each other in their professional journey.

The training that is being organized virtually covers 13 courses, facilitated by local experts. The courses equips trainees with essential business skills such as identifying a business idea, making the idea a reality, basics of market research, marketing, pricing, employee management, bookkeeping and accounting, building a business action plan etc. Throughout the training, trainees are engaged in developing a business plan.

At the end of the training, trainees are expected to develop a business plan, where those that accomplished the training are awarded certificates of accomplishment.