Kathmandu, Nepal — In a landmark initiative to strengthen U.S.-Nepal commercial relations through women’s empowerment, U.S. Ambassador Dean R. Thompson today officially launched Nepal’s first Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program. This trailblazing initiative, backed by the U.S. government, aims to empower Nepali women to scale their businesses, foster innovation, and drive sustainable economic growth within their communities.
Speaking at the inauguration, Ambassador Thompson emphasized the transformative vision of the program, stating,
“AWE is a movement, not just a program. When women are empowered, economies grow, communities flourish, and lasting partnerships take root.”
Empowering Women, Energizing Economies
At the heart of the AWE program lies a three-day residential bootcamp, uniting 30 dynamic Nepali women entrepreneurs for an immersive experience led by Nepal’s top business leaders and members of the American Chamber of Commerce in Nepal (AmCham). These women are receiving world-class training, mentorship, and tools designed to take their businesses to the next level.
Central to the training is the globally acclaimed “Najafi 100 Million Learners” course, which provides practical, actionable knowledge in areas such as business strategy, innovation, leadership, and sustainable enterprise development. The course is part of a global initiative aimed at reaching 100 million learners worldwide, ensuring that even the most underserved communities gain access to high-quality entrepreneurial education.
Building Bridges: From Local Communities to Global Markets
By helping women-led enterprises thrive in Nepal, AWE is not only creating meaningful economic opportunities at home but also building new bridges for U.S.-Nepal trade and investment. This initiative opens fresh avenues for collaboration between American and Nepali businesses, promoting joint ventures, exchange of ideas, and shared prosperity.
According to the U.S. Embassy, AWE aligns with a broader strategic vision to strengthen bilateral economic ties, while also addressing pressing socio-economic challenges like youth migration and unemployment. “The more opportunity we create within Nepal, the more resilient and self-sustaining its economy will become,” noted a senior official at the event.
A Community of Changemakers
The launch of AWE also marks the beginning of a supportive ecosystem—a community of empowered women entrepreneurs who are committed to uplifting each other and catalyzing change within their localities. The program is not just about individual success, but about creating ripple effects across families, neighborhoods, and industries.
The participating entrepreneurs, hailing from diverse sectors such as agriculture, e-commerce, education, hospitality, fashion, and social enterprise, expressed overwhelming enthusiasm. One participant shared,
“This program has already changed how I see my business. I feel more confident, connected, and capable of making a real impact—not just profit.”
Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Momentum
With AWE off to a powerful start, Ambassador Thompson and his team have underscored the importance of sustainability and scalability. There are plans to expand the program to other provinces, offering opportunities to women from even the most remote and underrepresented areas of Nepal.
The collaboration between the U.S. Embassy, AmCham Nepal, and local business leaders sets a new precedent for public-private partnership in development, showing how strategic investment in people—especially women—can unlock economic resilience.
As Ambassador Thompson eloquently put it during the launch:
“Together, we’re building a stronger, more resilient economic future—for Nepal and for U.S. businesses seeking dynamic new markets.”
—
For more information about the AWE initiative and future opportunities, visit the U.S. Embassy Kathmandu’s official website or follow @USAmbNepal on social media.
