The core program is completely free. There is no application, registration or participation fee.

Fellows should expect to spend an average of 4 to 6 hours per week participating in AWEC activities (primarily online), for one year. Fellows are expected to participate in at least one AWEC activity per week throughout the program. Please seriously consider this time commitment before applying and/or accepting an offer to participate in AWEC.

AWEC does not provide funding in the program.

• Fellows should expect to spend an average of 4 to 6 hours per week participating in AWEC activities (primarily online), for one year. Fellows are expected to participate in at least one AWEC activity per week throughout the program. Please seriously consider this time commitment before applying and/or accepting an offer to participate in AWEC.

AWEC is looking for authenticity in the thousands of applications received. Don’t copy and paste from the website or ChatGPT. Further resources to help you:

1. Enroll in Entrepreneur Essentials 2.0

2. Read/ watch How to Write a Killer Application below

3. Watch Info Week recordings
   

Upon successful completion of the 12-month program, Fellows will:

• Form connections with a diverse network of African women entrepreneurs

• Establish a relationship with a senior business mentor

• Strengthen strategy, leadership and business management skills

• Gain skills in finance, marketing, and strategy needed to grow and scale their enterprise

• Develop a toolkit of soft skills, including self-confidence, resilience, collaboration, and cross-cultural communications

AWEC Fellow, Emilly O. from Kenya says it best:

“I enjoy the practicability of the content. I am able to apply literally everything that I learn, I have seen a huge potential of my business and so far, I have expanded my market reach, especially online.”

The program is designed for both individual and collaborative, feedback-based work. Fellows interact with their mentors, Program Advisors, other participants throughout the year in various curriculum activities.

Fellows are not required to travel. Most of the program activities are conducted online and can be completed anywhere a participant has an internet connection. However, there are opportunities to connect for in-person learning and networking.

All AWEC Fellows must have reliable access to a strong Internet connection, at least once per week. Most of the AWEC program activities are conducted online and can be completed from anywhere a Fellow has an Internet connection, including a university, internet café, shared workspace, their home, or other locations. AWEC requires Fellows to participate in video conference calls, which generally requires more bandwidth than typical Internet browsing.

Fellows will need access to a tablet, laptop, or desktop to complete most of the work. Smartphones can be used to engage in the Live Sessions and for messaging with peers and teammates, but are not sufficient for all course activities. Fellows will need regular access to WhatsApp and their email for communication. Fellows will use Zoom and NovoEd for the majority of the course learning.

Collaboration is a core element of the AWEC program. While assignments are completed individually and focus on one’s own business, the program provides numerous opportunities to work in teams and to peer review each other’s work.

While Fellows who consistently engage in the program will gain the most benefit, we understand that managing careers, businesses, families, and other commitments will occasionally prevent participants from engaging in AWEC activities. Live Sessions are recorded and can be viewed later. However, we strongly encourage live participation to gain the full program benefit.

If you are encountering technical issues with the application, please get in touch with apply@weareawec.org with “Application Question” in the subject line. In your email, explain the issue you are experiencing, with screenshots if possible