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Youth

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: U.S. Department of State Initiatives

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Ambassador Catherine M. Russell attended the 2015 Global Entrepreneurship Summit, where she highlighted the importance of supporting women and young entrepreneurs. The U.S. Department of State has initiatives to promote entrepreneurship, job creation, and economic growth, with a focus on women and young people. The Ambassador emphasized the need to address outdated perceptions that hinder business investments and highlighted the potential of entrepreneurship to change the world. Three new initiatives were announced, including a mentorship program, an artisan enterprise competition, and a global campaign to promote the artisan sector.

Key Takeaways:

  • The U.S. Department of State is committed to supporting women and young entrepreneurs through initiatives like regional networks, programs, exchanges, and more.
  • The African Women's Entrepreneurship Program connects women to credit and builds their capacity, while wPower works with women entrepreneurs in clean energy.
  • The Women's Venture Xchange - Africa will connect women entrepreneurs in Africa with mentors in the region, using mentorship and market access to help launch and grow businesses.
  • The Artisan Enterprise Multimedia competition aims to tell the story of artisans and their economic impact, with a global campaign launching this September.
  • The Alliance for Artisan Enterprise works to promote, connect, and expand opportunities for the artisan sector.
  • Hundreds of thousands of people in developing countries participate in the artisan sector, generating $34 billion annually.

Statistics:

  • $34 billion: the annual revenue generated by the artisan market
  • 100,000s: the number of people in developing countries participating in the artisan sector
  • 2015: the year the Global Entrepreneurship Summit took place
  • $1500: the cash prize for the winner of the Artisan Enterprise Multimedia competition

Sources:

  • "Remarks Catherine M. Russell Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues 2015 Global Entrepreneurship Summit,"
  • Global Entrepreneurship Network
  • Case Foundation
  • Mara Foundation

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