About AWE
The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs, an initiative by the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), is dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs worldwide, helping them grow, excel, and connect through a global network of women-led businesses. In 2023- 2024, 70+ women entrepreneurs from Tripua and Mizoram were supported in building their businesses, networks and digital skills by domain experts and business mentors.
About AWE 5.0
Empowering Indigenous Women in Nagaland and Jharkhand through Entrepreneurship
In 2024-2025, AWE 5.0 program aims to boost income opportunities by developing nano-enterprises that harness the existing skills and small businesses of indigenous women from Nagaland and Jharkhand. This initiative empowers women to transform their traditional expertise into thriving micro-enterprises, driving sustainable growth and economic independence.
In both the states, women from the indigenous communities possess unique traditional skills that are often underutilized in mainstream economics. Both the states are rich in natural resources, with some indigenous products such as Naga Mircha (King Chilli); Naga Tree Tomato; Naga Sweet Cucumber and Chakhesang Shawl in Nagaland and Sohrai – Khovar Painting in Jharkhand receiving accreditation of GI (Geographical Indication). However, most women led nano businesses lack business skills, confidence and market knowledge to scale up or grow. The program will create understanding on business development and create exposure to market demands and channels.
Benefits:
- Build capacities in business development and product innovation
- Hands-on training on business ideation and prototype development
- Access to all paid for buyer- seller meets and investment pitches
- Access to Boot camps to hone your skills and pitch like a pro
- Become a part of the AWE Global Network of women entrepreneur
Timeline
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Identification of 60 women entrepreneurs and artisans from Jharkhand and Nagaland
September & October 2024
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District-level Bootcamps
November 2024 to January 2025
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Product innovation and Business ideation workshops
January to March 2025
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Followups, Mentoring sessions, Networking and Buyer-seller meets
March to September 2025
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State-level Bootcamps
September 2025
Who is Eligible
- Indigenous women residing in Nagaland and Jharkhand
- Having possibilities to develop a business
- Possessing some skill in non-farm
- Women-led nano-enterprises
- Age 18 years +
FAQs
In East and Northeastern India, this marks the 5th cohort, following successful implementation in Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Jharkhand,Tripura, Mizoram and Sikkim. The program has already supported 500 early-stage entrepreneurs, raised around $350,000 in funding, and generated over 4,000 job opportunities. The 5th cohort is broadening its impact and deepening penetration in underserved communities of Jharkhand and Nagaland by unlocking opportunities for aspiring women from indigenous backgrounds.
AWE focuses on entrepreneurial education, providing training in marketing strategies and personalized mentoring from industry professionals. Collaborations with local NGOs, universities, and chambers of commerce facilitate skills enhancement and networking through activities like speed mentoring, pitch competitions, and entrepreneurship fairs.
In Northeastern India, this marks the 4th cohort, following successful implementation in Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim. The program has already supported 450 early-stage entrepreneurs, raised around $350,000 in funding, and generated over 4,000 job opportunities.
If you're a woman with aspirations of becoming an entrepreneur or are already taking the first steps in your entrepreneurial journey, the AWE program could be an excellent opportunity for you. AWE is designed to equip women like you with the essential knowledge, skills, and valuable networks necessary for achieving success in the business world while promoting women's empowerment. AWE 5.0 is open for indigenous women from Jharkhand and Nagaland who have possibilities and will to develop a business, have some skills in non-farm sector or have existing nano-enterprise. Your aspiration to expand and innovate, interest to learn, and commitment to empower other women entrepreneurs will help you to be an AWEntrepreneur.
Click on the ‘Apply Now’ tab on the website and fill up the proposed form. For any queries mail us at: team@women4economy.net
Academy for Women Entrepreneurs 5.0 is reaching out to indigenous women from Nagaland and Jharkhand as many women from this region have started small-scale home-based businesses without formal training or have skills that can be transformed into successful businesses. The cultural and societal norms practiced in India often place a strong emphasis on women's domestic responsibilities, especially if they are married. Consequently, joining a sustainable network that provides training in business concepts, feasibility, and communication skills is vital for preparing them to actively contribute to broader economic development.