ECA’s 2021 evaluation of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) indicates that the AWE program promotes economic prosperity by generating income and creating jobs among women-owned businesses. The survey also demonstrates that AWE helps women to develop skills and adapt to the economic upheavals associated with COVID-19.
According to this evaluation of 1,000 AWE graduates in 26 countries, 74 percent of AWE entrepreneurs reported earning more revenue in their business, 44 percent reported expanding their product or service offerings, and 29 percent said they hired more staff after completing the program.
Additionally, more than 90 percent of AWE graduates reported increased confidence and higher self-esteem, citing improvements in specific skillsets like strategic planning and public speaking skills, while more than half of alumnae reported maintaining a connection with their AWE peers after the program. AWE graduates indicated that these relationships advanced their professional and business opportunities, demonstrating the strength, utility, and sustainability of AWE networks.
To learn more about best practices and recommendations for AWE programming, read this case study "Evaluation Matters" from ECA's Monitoring Evaluation Learning and Innovation Unit.
Want to learn more? Read ECA's full report: Evaluation of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs.