SUVA – The U.S. Embassy signed a grant with the Women Entrepreneurs Business Council (WEBC) to run the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) for up to 130 Fijian women business owners. The US$23,000 (FJ$47,000) AWE grant will allow for trained facilitators from WEBC and the Makoi Women’s Vocational Center to guide women business owners through a training program. The facilitators, who are also local business experts, will lead sessions in vital areas of entrepreneurship and business management while addressing Fiji-specific topics.
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Tony Greubel said, “This grant will expand our efforts to build the capacities of local businesswomen and assist them on their journey to success. We are grateful for the support of our implementing partners and know this initiative will blossom under their care.”
Participants, selected via application, will come from a range of backgrounds and levels of business expertise. Beyond learning in the academy, they will have the opportunity to share, learn, and network with other members of their cohort. The benefits of the AWE program will continue long after the program ends, as it will provide the participants an opportunity to apply skillsets learned through AWE to their own businesses and become part of a robust network of women business leaders.
The 2021 AWE Program comprises seven groups of 10-15 women throughout the country. Facilitators will incorporate the DreamBuilder online training as part of the workshops. DreamBuilder is a free online entrepreneurial training module that teaches women the skills and knowledge to start and grow their own businesses.
WEBC, a member of the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) will manage the grant. The AWE facilitators from WEBC and the Makoi Women’s Vocational Center will receive virtual training from the AWE team in Washington, D.C. The U.S. Embassy is proud to work with both organizations to promote local economic development. Chargé d’Affaires Tony Greubel signed on behalf of the U.S. Embassy, WEBC Chair Eseta Nadakuitavuki signed for FCEF, and Shazna Khan for Makoi Women’s Vocational Center.