Islamabad: The U.S. Embassy has awarded $20,000 in seed grants to five women entrepreneurs as part of its Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program in Islamabad. The funding aims to support the expansion and development of innovative businesses led by women.

According to Embassy of the United States of America, the grants were distributed following a pitch competition that concluded the activities for the 2024 cohort of the AWE program. Among the winners were Iman Khan of Peshawar, who is advancing eco-friendly construction materials; Alishba Sajid from Rawalpindi, creator of biodegradable dining products; and Sahar Munir from Quetta, who developed a delivery app supporting women-led businesses in Balochistan.

The AWE program engages women entrepreneurs in a comprehensive three-month online course by the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University, coupled with mentorship from seasoned Pakistani businesswomen. The initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance economic opportunities for women by equipping them with necessary skills and networks.