The US Embassy and the Youth for Development Network (YFDN) have kicked off another chapter of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Jamaica programme, welcoming a new cohort of 30 women who will spend the next few months sharpening their business acumen.

Now in its fourth year, the programme continues to draw strong interest from women across the island, with nearly 200 applicants vying for just 30 spots this cycle. The selected entrepreneurs hail from Kingston and Hanover, a deliberate move by organisers to ensure balanced urban and rural representation.

“We’re very intentional about including voices from outside Kingston,” founder and executive chairman of YFDN Andre Wilson told the group during the official launch at the US Embassy on Wednesday. “Kingston is not Jamaica, and it’s important that women in places like Hanover are equally supported to grow and scale their ventures.”

This year’s programme, which officially launched on July 23, will run through to November and include creative team-building retreats, the globally recognised DreamBuilder online course, mentorship opportunities, and a pitch competition with the possibility of seed funding. It will close with a trade show showcasing the participants’ goods and services.

For many, the six-month journey offers more than just business development; it’s also about connection and confidence-building.

“As you begin this journey, I encourage you to lean into every opportunity, absorb every lesson, and forge lasting bonds with each other. Build your businesses, yes, but also build your confidence, your community, and your legacy,” Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Ann Marie Chiappetta, who delivered remarks on behalf of Chargé d’Affaires Amy Tachco, said.

“What you do with this opportunity matters to your future, your family, your parishes, your country, and to enhancing the partnerships between you and your country. Your innovation and ingenuity are exactly what our global vision is aiming for,” she continued.

The initiative is part of a larger US State Department strategy known as the Women’s Global Development and Prosperity (W-GDP) initiative, which aims to support women’s financial independence through entrepreneurship. Jamaica joined the programme in 2020, and since then over 100 women have graduated, with more than 75 per cent reporting business growth, job creation, or entry into new markets.

Among the most celebrated alumni are Kavelle Hylton, a STEM educator who leverages tech in education, and Citerina Atkins, who turned a simple agricultural idea into a nationally recognised brand.

“Sometimes you may not know what you’re getting yourself into, but when the opportunity comes up, always say yes and figure it out along the way. I’m standing here with you today because I live by that,” AWE Jamaica lead facilitator Kiddist Cowans shared with the women aged 35 and under.

The selection process was rigorous. Applications were judged on six core criteria: business relevance, potential for profitability, creativity, impact, entrepreneurial mindset, and alignment with the US mission. In-person interviews were held in Kingston, while Hanover participants were assessed virtually to accommodate travel barriers.

Support also came from community and private sector partners. The Hanover Chamber of Commerce hosted an in-person information session to raise awareness and encourage rural participation. Meanwhile, alumni like Tiffany Foster of Bougie Boards by Tiff returned to showcase their products at the launch event, reinforcing the cycle of support that AWE fosters.

“The impact of this programme doesn’t stop when the cohort ends,” said Lucy Kingsley, International Director at YFDN. “These women go on to employ others, invest in their communities, and even mentor new entrepreneurs. That’s the ripple effect we’re after.”

In a country where gender equality remains a work in progress, the speakers reinforced that AWE Jamaica is helping to tip the scales by empowering women to chart their own economic paths.

“This is your moment,” Chiappetta told the cohort. “Let your entrepreneurial spirit carry you as far as your imagination can go — even to the global stage.”

COWANS… sometimes you may not know what you’re getting yourself into, but when the opportunity comes up, always say yes and figure it out along the way (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

WILSON…Kingston is not Jamaica, and it’s important that women in places like Hanover are equally supported to grow and scale their ventures (Photos: Karl McLarty)