Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: AWE Jamaica Programme 2025 Launches

On July 23, the US Embassy in Kingston, in collaboration with the Youth for Development Network (YFDN), proudly launched the 2025 Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Jamaica Programme. This initiative is all about empowering women across Jamaica with the skills, networks, and resources they need to build and grow sustainable businesses.

A Transformative Journey

Now in its fourth cohort, AWE Jamaica has already made a significant impact, having empowered over 100 women from both urban and rural areas. Participants have gained essential interpersonal and entrepreneurial skills, developed robust business plans, and even received seed funding to kickstart their ventures. Remarkably, more than 75% of past participants have successfully scaled their businesses, creating jobs and contributing to local economic growth. This year, the programme aims to support 30 dynamic women from Kingston and Hanover through a six-month blended learning experience.

A Gathering of Visionaries

The launch event brought together influential leaders from the US Embassy, the Jamaican business community, and international development partners. They all share a common vision: to drive inclusive economic growth through women’s entrepreneurship. Ann-Marie Chiappetta, the Acting Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy, addressed the new cohort with inspiring words. “What you do with this opportunity matters. It matters to your future, your families, your parishes, your country, and to enhancing the partnership between Jamaica and the United States,” she said. Her message was clear: the entrepreneurial spirit of these women could reach far beyond Jamaica, even to the global stage.

A Commitment to Change

Lucy Kingsley, the international director of YFDN, emphasized the significance of this initiative. “The 2025 launch of AWE Jamaica marks more than a programme—it is a powerful signal of what’s possible when the US Embassy, local partners, and the private sector align to invest in women’s entrepreneurship,” she stated. Kingsley highlighted that the programme equips women with the tools, networks, and confidence to thrive in the digital economy, build resilient businesses, and uplift their communities.

Aligning with Global Goals

The AWE initiative aligns seamlessly with the US government’s broader Women’s Global Development and Prosperity (W-GDP) goals, which focus on supporting financial independence and entrepreneurship among women worldwide. The programme incorporates the globally-acclaimed DreamBuilder course, developed by Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management. Participants will also engage in customized workshops, team-building activities, psychosocial support, mentorship, and opportunities for seed funding.

Fostering Inclusive Growth

AWE Jamaica is particularly committed to uplifting underserved and first-time entrepreneurs, especially those from under-resourced or rural backgrounds. This focus fosters inclusive economic development and long-term sustainability. Locally, YFDN continues to champion youth and women’s empowerment, building pathways to innovation, employment, and enterprise development.

As the 2025 cohort embarks on this exciting journey, one can’t help but wonder: how far will these empowered women go in transforming Jamaica’s economic landscape? The future looks bright, and the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Jamaica!