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The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) is a U.S. Department of State initiative launched in 2019 by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) to empower women globally with the skills, networks, and resources needed to start and grow successful businesses. Implemented in nearly 100 countries, AWE has supported over 25,000 women entrepreneurs worldwide, including more than 800 in Uganda.
The program equips participants with business knowledge through the DreamBuilder online training, which provides a step-by-step framework for launching or scaling a business, complemented by a speaker series featuring accomplished entrepreneurs. In Uganda, AWE graduates form part of the AWE Alumnae Association Uganda, a vibrant network uniting women-led businesses across Kampala, Gulu, Jinja, and Mbarara. The Association fosters mentorship, visibility, resilience, and access to opportunities, driving the growth, formalization, and sustainability of women-owned enterprises nationwide.
The AWE Tunda Market Day
The flagship initiative of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Alumnae Association Uganda, designed to promote visibility, market access, and business growth for women-led enterprises. Held bi-monthly, the event brings together over 200 women entrepreneurs for both physical and virtual exhibitions, creating a vibrant space for showcasing products, generating sales, and attracting investors.
Each edition features investor pitching sessions and sector-specific discussions that enhance market competitiveness and business readiness. To date, 12 successful Tunda Market Days have been held, empowering hundreds of women to expand their customer base, strengthen brand visibility, and build valuable networks that drive sustainable growth within Uganda’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The AWE Project Tasting and Marketplace Conversation Series
The AWE Project Tasting and Marketplace Conversation Series is an interactive platform designed to spotlight innovation, celebrate entrepreneurship, and strengthen market readiness among women-led enterprises. Held six times annually, this dynamic series provides a space where startups and small businesses can showcase their products and services, share their compliance and growth journeys, and engage directly with key stakeholders, investors, and mentors.
Each session attracts over 150 entrepreneurs per quarter, fostering meaningful dialogue around market access, product development, quality assurance, and business sustainability. Beyond showcasing talent, the series serves as a bridge between AWE alumnae businesses and the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem driving visibility, collaboration, and practical learning that helps women entrepreneurs scale with confidence and purpose.
AWE And Beyond Mentorship Program
The AWE Give and Beyond Community Program is a flagship social impact initiative of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Alumnae Association Uganda, launched in December to embody the spirit of generosity, empowerment, and community transformation. Over an inspiring three-day outreach, alumnae and partners reached hundreds of vulnerable individuals across Uganda over 200 refugees, the Uganda Cancer Institute caretaker shelter, feeding over 305 people, Wanyange Home for the Disabled and Orphans in Jinja,
Where over 150 orphans and 70 individuals with disabilities were empowered through hands-on training, inspiring impactful Women’s Day celebrations Lira, over 300 students at Makerere University Jinja were trained in practical skills, at Nkozi University, Mountains of the Moon University, Lira University, and surrounding communities. The program continues to stand as a testament to the power of collective action women entrepreneurs giving back, building stronger communities, and creating ripples of sustainable change across Uganda.
The AWE Meet & Greet Forums
The AWE Meet & Greet Forums provide a unique and engaging platform for women entrepreneurs to connect with mentors, government agencies, development partners, and private sector leaders in a structured yet informal environment. Designed to strengthen networks and open doors to collaboration, each forum brings together an average of 300 participants, creating a vibrant space for knowledge sharing, mentorship, and business linkage opportunities.
Through open conversations and interactive sessions, participants gain insights on business growth, policy engagement, and partnership development. To date, three successful Meet & Greet Forums have been held, each reinforcing AWE’s commitment to building a connected, informed, and empowered community of women entrepreneurs across Uganda.
AWE Deal Book
The AWE Investment-Ready Women Entrepreneurs Publication is an annual showcase that profiles compliant, growth-oriented, and investment-ready women-led businesses. Serving as both a repository and reference guide, the publication highlights enterprises actively seeking funding, strategic partnerships, and opportunities to scale.
By providing detailed business profiles, success stories, and sector insights, it connects entrepreneurs with investors, development partners, and other key stakeholders in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. To date, one edition has been published, setting the foundation for an ongoing resource that amplifies visibility, credibility, and growth prospects for Uganda’s women entrepreneurs.
The ImpactLab Mentorship Program
A transformative initiative designed to nurture and accelerate the growth of women-led enterprises across the country. Officially launched as a key milestone for the association, the program brings together over 100 registered mentees and more than 40 seasoned mentors from diverse business sectors. It began with a powerful vision casting session, where mentors and mentees collaboratively set clear goals, expectations, and success pathways, ensuring alignment and purpose from the start.
Through personalized mentorship, practical guidance, and experience sharing, the ImpactLab Mentorship Program empowers participants to strengthen their business strategies, enhance leadership capacity, and scale their ventures sustainably. Beyond professional development, the program fosters a culture of collaboration, confidence, and community among Uganda’s growing network of women entrepreneurs.
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