Unlock Business Growth: Grants for Women Entrepreneurs

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Zimbabwe under the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a new cohort of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE).

The Public Diplomacy Section invites proposals from non-profit organizations, civil society organizations, and U.S. government alumni organizations to design and implement an entrepreneurship program that equips women entrepreneurs with skills and knowledge to grow their businesses and adapt to adverse economic situations while growing a local network of women-led businesses. The intended program should empower women entrepreneurs to realize their full economic potential. Participants of the AWE program will take part in facilitated in-person and virtual sessions with established Zimbabwean and American women entrepreneurs, alumni of U.S.-funded exchange programs, and other experts from different fields that enrich the AWE experience.

Applicants must include the online interactive DreamBuilder course as part of the proposal. The DreamBuilder curriculum teaches the skills and knowledge needed to start and grow a business. Additionally, proposals should provide a detailed program and timelines for AWE participants. The program may be held in several locations running cohorts of up to 30 participants and should have a strong American component – including American experts as guest teachers or coaches – articulated in the proposed activities syllabus.

Please follow all instructions below. Program Objectives: The proposals should meet the following objectives: - Increase participants understanding of business planning, and scaling up operations, - Connect participants with U.S. based business experts and share U.S. models of running enterprises, - Build a network of female entrepreneurs that is committed to supporting and promoting relationships that help grow businesses and drive local partnerships, and - Equip participants with skills and knowledge to build sustainable businesses.

Proposals submitted should clearly address program implementation showing the proposed activities and suggested local and American speakers. Applicants should give a detailed recruitment strategy for the target population, clearly specifying how the Embassy would be involved. The proposal should include ideas for follow-up activities after program implementation to assess the impact of the program. Proposals with sustainability and/or cost sharing built in are preferred.

Applicant should submit a proposal with sufficient travel budget funds if beneficiaries are traveling to a workshop and a data plan if they are to participate in virtual sessions. Budget should also include costs for any ceremonies or enrichment activities. Participants and Audiences: The AWE program targets current or future women business owners in Zimbabwe. AWE participants should commit to complete the program, have proven computer skills, and have access to the Internet or a reliable data connection.

Applicants are encouraged to develop programs for underrepresented populations, niche business sectors, or areas of potential growth. B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: 8-12 months from date of award. Number of awards anticipated: One award Total available funding: $10,000-30,000 Anticipated program start date: January 2023 Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 12 months or less.

THIS NOTICE IS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY OF FUNDING Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative agreement. The Public Diplomacy Section will be actively involved in the award implementation. U.S. Embassy staff will be involved in the following: - Providing standardized branding materials and guidelines for AWE promotional content.

- Participate in AWE promotional activities on U.S. Embassy Zimbabwe social media platforms. - Approve participants, facilitator and expert speakers’ recruitment strategy. - Assist the awardee in identifying and contacting alumni of U.S.

government exchange programs and other networks for potential speakers and trainers. - Review and approve suggested program speaker schedule, topics, and scenarios. - Collaborating with the awardee to assess the impact of the program through designing follow-up activity. - Approve social media content and any other outreach promotional material to promote the AWE program to wider audiences.

C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION 1. Eligible Applicants The following organizations are eligible to apply: · Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks, civil society, and non-governmental organizations · Business development organizations registered as non-profits · United States government alumni organizations 2. Other Eligibility Requirements To be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov.

Please see Section D.3 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov. Other eligibility requirements are as follows: - Adequately skilled and experienced staff to implement the program. - Well-equipped office space with adequate ICT equipment required to implement the program including reliable internet connection.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION To Request Application Package Email PublicDiplomacyGrants-ZIM@state.gov; an automatic reply with the Application forms will be sent. Application forms are also available at www.Grants.gov. Content and Form of Application Submission Please follow all instructions below carefully.

Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible. Content of Application Please ensure: The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity All documents are in English All budgets are in U.S. dollars All pages are numbered and, All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins. Submission Dates and Times Applications are due no later than November 1, 2022 Funding Restrictions · Please note that federal funds cannot be used for alcoholic beverages.

· Equipment purchase should not exceed ten percent (10%) of the total budget. Other Submission Requirements All application materials must be submitted by email to PublicDiplomacyGrants-Zim@state.gov