U.S. Embassy in Tanzania

1. AWE is a facilitated learning experience, which means that women do more than just follow an online course on their own.  With AWE, women entrepreneurs come together as a class on a regular basis and discuss their learning with experienced facilitators.  AWE facilitators are specialized in some areas of business and receive training from the U.S. Department of State.  Facilitators lead classroom discussions about each DreamBuilder module and illustrate the concepts with relevant examples from the local context.  Facilitators also work with local partners, U.S. Exchange Alumni, and business leaders to host additional networking and entrepreneurial events.
2. AWE’s carefully curated experience mixes U.S.-style online learning with localized in-person facilitation and mentoring, producing strong results.  More than 80 percent of women graduate from the program.  According to a 2021 survey of womenwho completed the AWE program, 74 percent of AWE graduates report earning higher revenues and 29 percent hire more staff.  These findings show that the AWE program model promotes local prosperity by helping women-led businesses generate more income and create jobs in communities around the world.
3. AWE cohorts (or classes) of about 30 women meet in-person or virtually on a regular basis.  Studies have shown that people tend to learn better in a nurturing, supportive environment, and AWE’s coordinated in-person meetings allow each cohort to develop peer-learning and support networks of women entrepreneurs that promote greater learning and growth – particularly during the challenges of COVID-19.  According to a 2021 evaluation of the program, 90 percent of AWE graduates reported greater self-confidence and greater ability to plan strategically after completing the program.
4. The AWE program often includes additional engagements that enhance and contextualize learning to the local environment.  For example, since DreamBuilder does not include country-specific topics, AWE facilitators are able to address specific local challenges, such as registering a business with local authorities, applying for health and sanitation licensing, and paying taxes.  In addition, AWE delivers other professional “soft” skills like public speaking through pitch competitions, or strategic planning and time management.  Strengthening these skills helps women adapt to the challenges of running a business during COVID-19.
5. AWE cohorts also increasingly benefit from engaging with International Exchange Alumni of U.S. government programs, which has millions of members worldwide and thousands of alumni in Tanzania.  Exchange Alumni come from all backgrounds and sectors and are often experts in their fields.  In fact, AWE graduates become alumni themselves once they complete the program.  Participation in the International Exchange Alumni Network brings AWE graduates into a larger network that enables them to amplify their learning and interact with local and global communities of leaders and influencers who connect, empower, and inspire.
6. AWE participants benefit from access to entrepreneurial networks in their communities, regularly coming in contact with players in the business ecosystem, from local government authorities to business leaders and academics, giving them access to the information and networks they need to run their business.

For people not participating in AWE but interested in DreamBuilder, you can access the free course on www.dreambuilder.org.