The first-ever fair exclusively for Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) alumni in Bangladesh began on the BRAC University campus on Wednesday.

Bren Flanigan, acting Counselor for Public Affairs of the U.S. Embassy, inaugurated the two-day fair.

AWE, a global initiative led by the U.S. Department of State, equips aspiring women entrepreneurs with essential knowledge, professional networks, and foundational materials crucial for launching and scaling up successful businesses.

U.S. Embassy Dhaka is deeply committed to supporting young aspiring women entrepreneurs, promoting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and nurturing local women business leaders, especially those from historically underrepresented communities, said a press release. 

Thirty-five women entrepreneurs from across Bangladesh, including Sylhet, Khagrachhari, Gaibandha, Chattogram, and Dhaka, are showcasing their innovative products and services at the fair.

This event will provide a unique platform for these entrepreneurs to present their businesses to a diverse audience of visitors, fostering networking and business growth opportunities.

AWE, a prominent program funded by the State Department’s Educational and Cultural Affairs Bureau, was inaugurated in Bangladesh in 2022. Since its inception, the program has trained 140 women entrepreneurs nationwide.

The Center for Entrepreneurship Development (CED) at BRAC University serves as the program's local implementing partner.

The AWE Program, a comprehensive three-month course tailored for aspiring women entrepreneurs across the globe, was designed by Arizona State University and the Freeport-McMoRan Foundation. It generates income and creates jobs in women-led businesses in more than 100 countries worldwide.

In Bangladesh, the program provides hands-on training in Bangla conducted by industry experts, focusing on core business skills with an emphasis on sustainability.