YOUTH for Development Network (YFDN), in partnership with the US Embassy, Kingston, launched the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Jamaica 2.0, the second cohort of the programme in Jamaica.

The AWE was launched in 2019 by the Department of State in partnership with Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Management and provides an intensive in-person and online business training programme for women worldwide. AWE has expanded from an initial 26 countries to 56 countries, including 16 in Africa.

The partnership between the US Embassy Kingston and YFDN for the AWE Jamaica Program also began in 2019. As the implementing organiser for two consecutive cohorts, YFDN is committed to the support for women economic empowerment, and strongly believes that by investing in women, you are investing in a nation.

Project lead from YFDN Marjaalaine Francis further conveyed this in her remarks with a quote from Steve Jobs, “The greatest thing you can do in life is to leave a lasting legacy. You have the power to create an idea, product, or anything that influences people and lasts even after you die. Greatness lies inside each of us. Our duty is to harness it and use it for good.”

This sentiment was also echoed in the welcome address by Public Affairs Officer Bobby Adelson as he expressed: “Supporting women entrepreneurs is one of the best tools we have for advancing equality for women and girls. When women are fully able to participate in their societies, we see stronger and more inclusive economic growth — the kind of growth that lifts economically challenged families and communities alike. We see improvements in security, justice, and the rule of law.”

The launch of the second cohort, which took place on Tuesday, July 11, inaugurated 30 new participants selected from a pool of approximately 184 applicants across Jamaica. With a focus on both urban and rural participants for this cohort, the overwhelming response also indicates the desire of Jamaican women for increased access to resources and support to thrive, one that programs such as the US State Department initiated AWE hopes to serve.

During the launch it was revealed that the group would hit the ground running with phase 1 of the programme; a two-day Creative Reframing & Gender Champions Workshop in Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth. This workshop will double as the official onboarding for the women entrepreneurs and seek to begin the networking and accountability partnerships required to make the program a success.

Other key features of AWE Jamaica 2.0 include:

Phase 2: Immersion in the DreamBuilder hybrid sessions facilitated by local businesswoman and Lead Facilitator Kiddist Cowans (CEO — Jesse’s Gifts & Décor). Additionally, the participants will be exposed to soft and hard skills training in areas such as public speaking, civic responsibility, project management, registering a business, civic responsibility, complying with local tax regulations, and tips on building and leveraging a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem for women.

Phase 3: AWE Jamaica participants will be mentored throughout the program, as well as interact with local and international women business leaders via specially curated Fireside Chats.

Phase 4: The anticipated Pitch Competition that will result in 10 lucky participants walking away with seed funding of US$1,000 each.

It is anticipated that the 16-week programme will spur innovation and growth amongst the 30 women with immediate and future contributions to raising employment and economic hopes.