20 Female Immigrants Empowered by US Consulate's Academy for Women Entrepreneurs

By: WE Staff | Thursday, 28 September 2023

The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Returned Migrant training program was completed and the U.S. Consulate General along with Ascend Studios Foundation celebrated this achievement.

Twenty female returnees were chosen to take part in the program in order to support the thorough reintegration of returned migrants. Financial management, marketing, operations, human resources, and other subjects were covered during this management training. In addition to these, they also received advice and mentorship from eminent entrepreneurs and AWE alumnae.

Julie McKay, a public affairs officer for the U.S. Consulate addressed the event and emphasized on the value of fostering an environment that removes obstacles and encourages Women to fully participate in the economy.

According to Julie, the training and program helped the returnee women develop resiliency, and creativity and create sustainable and profitable businesses.

The returned migrants also presented their business ideas to the jury. The Oyo State resident Oluwakemi Oladapo received the first prize during the business pitch competition. She was granted $2,000 as seed money to expand her firm and also for her outstanding performance. The next phenomenal businesswomen from Edo State and Delta State, Chylian Azuh and Osunalele Osanyanmo respectively clinched second and third place and received $1,500 and $700 in seed money.