The US Embassy, in partnership with the Youth for Development Network (YFDN), hosted the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Summit on November 20 at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in New Kingston. 

The summit marked the culmination of the five-month programme and served as the closing ceremony for the AWE 2025 programme, which brought together 30 women entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community stakeholders to amplify resilience, recovery, and economic empowerment for women-led enterprises across Jamaica.

The US Embassy’s acting deputy chief of mission Ann Marie Chiappetta, in her remarks, acknowledged the recent challenges faced by many Jamaican communities.

“Before anything else, I want to acknowledge the impact of Hurricane Melissa. Many Jamaicans are still recovering, and our hearts remain with them, including the four participants in this [AWE] cohort who live and work in one of the hardest-hit parishes, Hanover. Your presence is a true demonstration of resilience, courage, and the unwavering determination that defines this program and this country. Your strength reminds us that entrepreneurship is not simply about building businesses; it is about rebuilding lives and restoring hope.”  She continued, “The United States is proud to support this work. Around the world we invest in programmes like AWE because we believe deeply in the power of innovation and empowerment to bring about lasting economic growth.”

A highlight of the summit was the announcement of the winners of the AWE “Pitch Your AWEsome Dream” competition, which recognised outstanding women entrepreneurs for their innovation, leadership, and impact. 

Following a rigorous pitch session, four winners emerged, namely:

• Dr. Savionne Francis – Muscle Craft Physiotherapy Limited
• Tishauna Williams-Davis – The Senior Legacy Lounge
• Claudia Thomas – Claumas Distributors Limited
• Monique Jones – Moss Be Nice

Each winner received J$240,000 in seed funding to scale their businesses and solidify their presence in the Jamaican market.  Additionally, Alecia James of Aqurah Enterprise Limited received the prestigious Innovation Award, along with a grant of J$150,000 from Le Champ Foundation, in recognition of her creative approach to business and her potential for transformative impact.

Now in its fourth year, the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Jamaica has empowered over 100 women through entrepreneurial training, mentorship, and seed capital. Over 75 per cent of alumni have successfully scaled their ventures, created employment opportunities, and stimulated local economies. The 2025 cohort includes 30 remarkable women from Kingston and Hanover, who have completed a six-month blended learning programme.

The AWE initiative in Jamaica is managed by the US Embassy Kingston’s public diplomacy section, led by public affairs officer Mike Lavallee.

The programme aligns with the US government’s wider Women’s Global Development and Prosperity (W-GDP) goals, supporting financial independence and entrepreneurship among women globally.

The programme integrates the globally acclaimed DreamBuilder course, developed by Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management, with customised workshops, team-building activities, psychosocial support, mentorship, and seed funding opportunities.