Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs 2020 report reveals that African women entrepreneurs significantly contribute to the continent’s economy. For example, findings show that Angola, Botswana, Ghana, Malawi, and Uganda emerged as countries with the highest percentage of women business ownership.

This report proves what we already know all along that women are making incredible strides in the field of entrepreneurship. It is not surprising that other females are also boarding this moving entrepreneurship wagon.

If you are an aspiring female entrepreneur, here’s an opportunity to participate in
the Pan African Women Empowerment Network (PAWEN) Aspiring Entrepreneurs Program (AEP) 2021.

The PAWEN is a social enterprise that focuses on economic empowerment and women’s leadership. It aims to build an ecosystem that will nurture the next generation of women who are trailblazers in Business and Careers, making a significant and sustainable impact in Africa.

About AEP

An initiative of the Pan African Women Empowerment Network, AEP was launched to empower aspiring women entrepreneurs with the needed confidence, competence, and network to build a strong foundation for their businesses.

Participants receive hands-on training, practical knowledge, and support on how to move from idea to startup using a framework that will improve enable them to build profitable and sustainable businesses.

Structure of the program

The 2021 AEP Program will be in two Phases.

Phase 1: This will run from March-May 2021 and will equip selected participants with comprehensive training adapted from a curriculum designed by an International Organisation and deployed successfully in over 100 countries.

Sessions will be handled by seasoned African entrepreneurs and faculty members of leading Business Schools. Mentors will work with participants helping them to learn practical ways to navigate the business landscape with minimal challenges.

Phase 2: This will run from June – August 2021 and will further advance the competencies of the most promising 50 entrepreneurs from phase 1. These will be given personalized business coaching from experienced entrepreneurs to help them launch and grow their businesses successfully.

The 50 successful entrepreneurs will have an opportunity to pitch for start-off grants and other funding.

Benefits of participation

Finalists of the AEP 2021 will receive the following:

Practical knowledge to help them launch a start-up and grow their business;
Membership of a network of women to help and support them;
Mentoring from successful women entrepreneurs across Africa;
Access to resources to help them grow and scale their business;
Access to networking and collaboration with other African women and startup grants.

Eligibility

To qualify you must be

A citizen of any African country;
A student or career professional who wants to transition to becoming an entrepreneur; OR
An entrepreneur that is in need of a framework to evaluate opportunities, manage startup, and finance new ventures;
Entrepreneurs that want to refine their business models, enabling them to become profitable and sustainable.

How to apply

If you wish to participate in the Aspiring Entrepreneurs Program (AEP) 2021 Cohort 2, apply here. Note that successful applicants will receive a notification email on Wednesday, February 24, 2021.

Application deadline

Applications close on Friday, February 12, 2021. For further information click here.

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