For the first time in Nepal, the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program has been launched with the aim of advancing Nepali women in the field of entrepreneurship.
U.S. Ambassador to Nepal, Dean R. Thompson, officially inaugurated the program during a special event held in Kathmandu on Thursday.
Strengthening U.S.–Nepal Business Collaboration
Ambassador Thompson stated that this U.S. government-supported initiative will strengthen both bilateral relations and business cooperation between the United States and Nepal.
He described the promotion of women’s entrepreneurship as a vital opportunity for economic inclusion and social empowerment. He emphasized that the program will encourage Nepali women to start and grow their own businesses and contribute meaningfully to local economic development.
He noted, “When women are empowered, it’s not just the economy that thrives—entire communities prosper.”
Three-Day Residential Bootcamp Begins
As part of the program, a three-day residential bootcamp also began on Thursday. It features training led by Nepal’s top business leaders in collaboration with the American Chamber of Commerce.
According to the U.S. Embassy, 30 women entrepreneurs are participating in the bootcamp. They will receive training based on the globally recognized “Najafi 100 Million Learners” curriculum.
Practical Tools and Long-Term Mentorship
Participants will gain access to practical tools and resources to help strengthen their businesses, receive mentorship, and learn strategies for innovation and job creation.
Following the bootcamp, a six-month leadership and management development phase will be implemented to support continued growth among the participants.
A Long-Term Vision for Partnership and Empowerment
The long-term goal of the program is to empower women entrepreneurs while further enhancing business partnerships between Nepal and the United States.
