By: Yolanda Pawar
One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF), in partnership with U.S. Embassy Nassau, will officially launch the 2025 Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Program on Eleuthera on July 1st. This highly anticipated business development program aims to welcome between thirty and forty-two women currently operating businesses or preparing to launch new ventures on Eleuthera. U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Kimberly Furnish visited Eleuthera and was the keynote speaker at a pre-launch registration reception and information session hosted by OEF at its Rock Sound campus on May 22nd.
Pre-Launch Reception Sets the Stage
Under the theme “Growing Businesses, Brewing Opportunities,” the Bahamian bush tea-themed reception created a relaxed and culturally grounded space for aspiring women entrepreneurs to connect, learn more about the AWE program, and meet facilitators. Chargé Furnish delivered an inspiring keynote message highlighting the U.S. embassy’s commitment to fostering economic growth through women’s entrepreneurship.
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Highlights Global Impact of AWE
“The U.S. Embassy is proud to bring the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) to women across The Bahamas. Since launching in 2019, over 350 Bahamian women have joined this impactful program. Many have gone on to open businesses, create jobs, and give back to their communities,” cited Chargé Furnish. “The AWE program is part of the United States’ global commitment to women’s economic empowerment. Research shows that closing the economic gap between women and men could boost the global economy by $12 trillion. That is why we invest in women, and that is also why we are pleased to partner with the One Eleuthera Foundation on this initiative.”
The DreamBuilder Curriculum: Thirteen Weeks of Growth
Over the course of thirteen weeks, theDreamBuilder program will provide women on Eleuthera with access to expert guidance, business education, networking opportunities, and the tools to build a sustainable and resilient business. The curriculum is designed to help participants develop strong business models, improve operational and marketing strategies, and foster innovation. It will include small group and online learning, guest lectures, and mentoring opportunities, all tailored to meet the unique needs of local women entrepreneurs.
Speaking at the AWE reception, Keyron Smith, President and CEO of OEF, highlighted the significance of this collaborative initiative:
“Women are the backbone of our homes, communities, and organizations. In every sector, on every island, and in every country, when women are given access to the right tools and opportunities, entire societies shift upward. Building capacity among women entrepreneurs closely aligns with OEF’s mission to strengthen communities and foster economic growth. We are proud to partner with the U.S. Embassy to bring this opportunity to Eleuthera and to help create a platform where women can lead, innovate, and thrive.”
Anshena Johnson, OEF’s Chief Program Officer, expressed her enthusiasm for this transformative opportunity: “As a daughter of Eleuthera, I’ve seen firsthand how women’s entrepreneurship can transform families and fuel local economies. I often say, empower her, and you empower the island.”
The program will be facilitated by OEF and delivered by local entrepreneurs including, Denise Worrell, a successful business owner who brings expertise in entrepreneurship, educational leadership, herbalism, and health coaching; Riccara Dean, who has a background in tourism, entrepreneurship education, business management, and project management; and Lerenda Johnson, a successful entrepreneur and State Department exchange alumna with experience in small business operations. The program will culminate in a business pitch competition where participants will compete for a share of $10,000 in seed funding to advance their ventures.
