Academy for Women Entrepreneurs
| Project Name: | Academy for Women Entrepreneurs |
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| Awards: | AmCham Awards 2025 nominee in the Community Service category. |
| Project Timeframe: | 2021 - 2025 |
| Project Geography: | Pavlodar Region, North Kazakhstan Region, Kostanay Region, Akmola Region, East Kazakhstan Region, Abai Region, Karaganda Region, Ulytau Region |
| Brief Project Description: | Since 2021, the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) has empowered 230 Kazakh women with skills, mentorship, and networks to grow their businesses and access global markets. Through 27 seed grants, intensive business and English-language training, and over 50 events with U.S. experts and regional leaders, participants have built a sustainable nationwide network of women-led enterprises. Alumni continue to collaborate through AWE and U.S. Government networks, expanding their reach via global conferences and exchanges. Supported by Chevron, Coca-Cola Kazakhstan, ASMAR, and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), AWE strengthens economic growth and enduring U.S. – Kazakhstan business and diplomatic ties. |
| Problem Statement: | Women in Kazakhstan face a range of structural and social barriers to business development. Many women carry primary family and childcare responsibilities, reducing opportunities to pursue business growth. Traditional gender norms and unequal access to economic and decision-making opportunities can further constrain women’s participation in entrepreneurship, particularly in rural and underserved communities. The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) was established to address these challenges by providing women with entrepreneurship education, mentorship, networking opportunities, and practical business skills. The program aims to strengthen women’s economic participation and leadership, support the creation of sustainable businesses, and contribute to inclusive economic growth and community development in Kazakhstan. |
| Objectives: | The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) aims to strengthen women’s economic empowerment in Kazakhstan by equipping aspiring and established women entrepreneurs with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to start, grow, and sustain successful businesses. The program provides entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and access to professional networks to help participants overcome barriers to business development and access new market opportunities. AWE seeks to enhance women’s leadership, increase their participation in economic decision-making, and support job creation at the local level. By fostering a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem, the program contributes to inclusive economic growth, stronger communities, and greater economic resilience across Kazakhstan. |
| Key Results: | • Since 2021, the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs has empowered 230 Kazakh women. • 27 seed grants of up to KZT 1.5 million each were awarded. • More than 50 online and offline events were organized nationwide. • Two alumni were selected for the U.S. International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). |
| Key Activities: | • Awarded 27 seed grants of up to KZT 1.5 million each, enabling participants to launch or expand their businesses • Delivered the signature Dream Builder and Najafi 100 Million Learners Global Initiative courses over five months for each cohort. • Provided 10 weeks of tailored English-language training for each cohort to enhance participants’ business and communication skills. Networking & Mentorship • Organized over 50 online and offline events nationwide, including regional gatherings connecting young businesswomen with established leaders. • Partnered with the ASMAR to deliver mentorship support. • Linked participants with 10 American Corners in their regions and with the National Alumni Network’s mentorship program through collaborations with EBRD and other partners. • Created alumni network chats to sustain dialogue, peer support, and cooperation. Global Exposure & Recognition • Facilitated online sessions with U.S. speakers and helped participants present at global conferences, expanding their professional reach. • Two alumni were selected for the U.S. International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) in recognition of their exceptional performance. |
| Key Learnings and Recommendations: | The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) demonstrated that access to practical business education, mentorship, and professional networks can significantly enhance women’s confidence, entrepreneurial skills, and ability to launch or expand businesses. The program highlighted the importance of combining technical entrepreneurship training with ongoing mentorship and peer support, particularly for first-time entrepreneurs. Participants benefited from opportunities to build professional connections, exchange experiences, and access resources that are often limited for women entrepreneurs. The initiative also reaffirmed that family responsibilities, limited access to financing, and social barriers remain key constraints to women’s economic participation. To maximize long-term impact, future programming should prioritize continued mentorship, improved access to financing and markets, and greater outreach to women in rural and underserved communities. Strengthening partnerships among the private sector, government, and civil society will be critical to creating a more enabling environment for women-led enterprises and advancing inclusive economic growth in Kazakhstan. |
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