Opportunity Information: Apply for AFKAM PAS FY21 2

The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) 2021 grant opportunity, offered by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Mission to Uganda (Public Affairs Office), seeks one Ugandan partner to design and run an intensive entrepreneurship training program for about 100 emerging female entrepreneurs. The project is structured around four cohorts of 25 participants each and is meant to help women founders strengthen the practical skills needed to launch, stabilize, or scale their businesses, while also building lasting peer and mentor networks for continued collaboration after the program ends. The award is made as a cooperative agreement, meaning the U.S. Embassy expects to stay actively involved in shaping elements of the program, especially around the American focus and the recruitment of U.S.-connected experts.

Eligibility is primarily aimed at established, non-profit Ugandan associations, well-organized civil-society organizations, and academic institutions with the capacity to recruit participants and deliver high-quality training. U.S. organizations, third-country organizations, or foreign nationals cannot receive the cooperative agreement on their own; they may only participate if they are partnered with a Ugandan organization that serves as the eligible applicant and lead implementer. The funding opportunity was listed under CFDA 19.022, with an award ceiling of $30,000 and an expectation of a single award.

The core training content is anchored in an online curriculum called DreamBuilder, provided by the U.S. Department of State. Implementers are expected to facilitate DreamBuilder modules through guided, interactive sessions rather than leaving participants to self-study. The online coursework is intended to be reinforced with in-person programming such as talks, workshops, and practical learning activities. Suggested enhancements include sessions led by successful Ugandan and American entrepreneurs, as well as alumni of U.S. government exchange programs, and opportunities like trade fairs, business accelerators, or pitch competitions that can expose participants to real markets, feedback, and potential partnerships.

The intended participant profile is clearly defined: Ugandan women entrepreneurs and business owners roughly 25 to 40 years old with about 1 to 5 years of business experience. Recruitment must be handled through a competitive application process that selects for demonstrated motivation and a baseline level of entrepreneurship experience. Because DreamBuilder is delivered online and in English, participants must be computer literate, have reliable access to an internet-connected computer or smartphone, and possess sufficient English proficiency to complete the curriculum and engage fully in the sessions.

Geographically, the program is to be implemented in Kampala plus three additional regional centers. Those regional locations are chosen by the grantee but must be selected in consultation with the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Office. The cohorts also have thematic priorities: the Kampala cohort is focused on entrepreneurship in the creative sector, while the other three cohorts are oriented toward the technology sector or businesses that use technology as a major component of operations, such as digital sales, e-commerce, or digital marketing.

A defining feature of the opportunity is the requirement that activities maintain a strong American focus. To support this, the Public Affairs Office will collaborate with the awardee to identify and recruit American business experts and professors based in Uganda, experts from Ugandan branches of American companies, and U.S. government exchange alumni who can contribute lectures, workshops, and mentorship. There is an explicit intention to include a substantial share of female role models among these speakers and mentors. The awardee is responsible for integrating these experts into the overall curriculum and covering logistical needs such as travel and lodging, ensuring their participation is well-planned and tied to the learning objectives rather than treated as stand-alone guest appearances.

The program objectives emphasize both business outcomes and public diplomacy goals. First, the program should expand participants understanding of the fundamentals of developing and scaling a business, which typically includes topics like business modeling, market research, customer discovery, budgeting and financial management, operations, branding, legal considerations, and growth planning. Second, it should expose participants to U.S. approaches and models for entrepreneurship and connect them directly with American experts, strengthening practical learning while also increasing understanding of U.S. values and institutions. Third, it must intentionally build an ongoing network of women entrepreneurs who can continue sharing best practices and supporting one another, while sustaining a relationship with the U.S. Embassy over time, positioning the alumni community as a durable platform for mentorship, collaboration, and future engagement.

Key administrative details from the notice include the funding opportunity number (AFKAM PAS FY21 2), categorization as a discretionary opportunity, and an original application closing date of April 12, 2021, with the opportunity initially posted on February 26, 2021.

  • The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Uganda in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Academy for Women Entrepreneurs, 2021" and is now available to receive applicants.
  • Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.022.
  • This funding opportunity was created on Feb 26, 2021.
  • Applicants must submit their applications by Apr 12, 2021. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
  • Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $30,000.00 in funding.
  • The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
  • Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
Apply for AFKAM PAS FY21 2

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