Women entrepreneurs complete 14 weeks business training

THIRTY-TWO women in business graduated last week after 14 weeks of undergoing the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) online business course.
Seven of the women travelled into Port Moresby from provincial centres for the graduation.
US Ambassador to PNG, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu Erin McKee and ExxonMobil Limited production manager Keith Killian were guests at the graduation held on Dec 9.
McKee congratulated the participants and said when women did better, countries did better, communities did better and families did better.
According to a statement from the US Embassy in Port Moresby, the AWE is a pilot programme in PNG which also runs in East Asia and Pacific.
The academy, in support of the White House-led women’s Global Development and Prosperous Initiative, equips women with the practical skills needed to create sustainable businesses and enterprises.
Through an inclusive learning community, participants were given opportunities to explore business fundamentals, including creating business plans and raising capital, with the goal of building a better future for their families and communities.
The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs is built around three main goals: to provide online education resources, foster networks that support access to mentorships, and connect women through existing programmes.
AWE targets women 18 years and above, who run a business established for at least 12 months, who are computer literate, with at least a grade 12 education preferred and able to attend the course in Port Moresby.
AWE participants used DreamBuilder, an online course on women’s entrepreneurship developed through a partnership between Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management and global copper mining company Freeport-McMoRan.
The Department of State through the US Embassy, partnered with Centre for Private Enterprise (CIPE) through the PNG Women Business Resource Centre (PNGWBRC) to administer the programme.
Sponsors also included Pacifika Women Network, Coca-Cola and ExxonMobil.