Opportunity Information: Apply for PAS UKRAINE 2021 007
The grant opportunity "Empowering Ukrainian Businesswomen through the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs" (Funding Opportunity Number PAS UKRAINE 2021 007) is a U.S. Department of State, U.S. Mission to Ukraine competition for a single organization to implement the second round of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) in Ukraine. AWE is a global State Department initiative created by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs in 2019 to support the Women’s Global Development and Prosperity Initiative, which set an ambitious target of economically empowering 50 million women worldwide by 2025. In Ukraine, the program is positioned as a practical entrepreneurship accelerator that combines structured learning, real-world mentorship, and networking so that women with business ideas, as well as early-stage business owners, can build sustainable enterprises and grow into community leaders.
The Embassy’s priority focus is central and eastern Ukraine, and the intended participants are women ages 21 to 40 who are prospective entrepreneurs or already running early businesses. The program is also expected to be inclusive of underrepresented groups, specifically noting veterans, members of the LGBTI community, and ethnic or linguistic minorities. Building on the first AWE iteration launched by the Embassy in 2020, applicants are expected to show how they will expand the reach and long-term impact of AWE by weaving in experienced mentors, forging public-private partnerships, attracting private sector financial or in-kind support, and designing follow-on activities that keep alumni engaged and moving forward after the formal course ends.
A central required component is delivery of AWE to at least 75 competitively selected participants drawn from across Ukraine. Applicants must propose a strong digital backbone for the program, including online and social media platforms that can handle outreach and advertising, participant registration, internal communications, progress tracking, and alumni engagement. Because the opportunity was designed during the COVID-19 period, proposals are expected to assume that most or all program elements will be virtual, which makes the online infrastructure, facilitation plan, and remote community-building strategy especially important.
The curriculum foundation must include the DreamBuilder Massive Open Online Course on women’s entrepreneurship, which consists of 13 modules originally in English. The implementing organization is expected to translate the modules into Ukrainian and develop supplemental materials that make the content more relevant to the local market, address Ukraine-specific business realities, and build additional practical skills that entrepreneurs need. Proposals must also specify facilitation capacity: at least one facilitator per module is required, whether that is one person delivering the full course or different facilitators assigned by topic area. The application is expected to name potential facilitators and demonstrate that they have the background to lead business education or the hands-on experience to guide participants through the DreamBuilder content effectively.
Mentorship is treated as a core design feature rather than an add-on. Applicants must propose a mentor pool that supports participants both one-on-one and in small groups, meeting at least every two weeks to discuss course material, troubleshoot problems, and keep participants moving toward concrete business outcomes. The ideal mentor-to-participant ratio is described as one mentor for every two to three participants, signaling that the program is meant to be high-touch. The notice also points to the types of mentors who would be especially strong fits, including alumni of U.S. government exchange programs (such as the Fortune-State Global Women’s Mentoring Partnership, Fulbright, IVLP, and Professional Fellows) and respected Ukrainian business leaders.
Beyond weekly learning and mentorship, applicants must design multiple milestone events that deepen skills and connect participants to real opportunities. At minimum, the program must include two multi-day “deep dive” workshops held during the DreamBuilder course, where facilitators and mentors lead intensive reviews of the material paired with practical assignments and hands-on work sessions. The program must also convene at least one roundtable that brings together women’s economic empowerment NGOs, AWE II participants, and Ukrainian government representatives to develop a two-to-three-year strategic plan for advancing women’s economic participation. In addition, applicants must organize at least one event with financial service providers and donor organizations so participants learn about fundraising sources and basic fundraising principles, helping them understand capital pathways and how to position their ventures for support.
Networking and visibility are also explicit requirements. The implementing organization must facilitate sharing of success stories and relationship-building between the new cohort and alumni from the earlier Ukraine AWE program, and also help connect participants with AWE networks in other countries. The Embassy indicates it can help with international connections after an award is made, but the proposal still needs a clear plan for how networking will be structured and sustained in practice, especially in a primarily virtual environment.
The program culminates in a “Final Forum” where participants pitch their business ideas to potential investors and donors. Applicants must explain how they will recruit and secure meaningful participation from investors and donors, how pitches will be evaluated, and how the event will be designed to be competitive while remaining supportive. Importantly, proposals must include a budget line for small grants to award to the strongest pitches, along with plans for non-monetary prizes for runners-up such as invitations to trade events, internship or fellowship opportunities, or additional training and educational opportunities. This final stage is meant to move the program from learning into tangible next steps for venture growth and investment readiness.
Sustainability after the course is a major expectation rather than a bonus. Applicants must create an “Alumni Club” and describe how they will maintain momentum through follow-on meetings or other activities that track alumni progress and continue professional development. A strong monitoring and evaluation plan is required overall, reflecting the Embassy’s interest in measuring participation, progress through the course, mentorship engagement, quality of outputs (such as business plans or pitch readiness), and longer-term outcomes after graduation.
Administratively, the award is structured as a cooperative agreement, meaning the U.S. Embassy is likely to remain actively engaged during implementation rather than functioning only as a pass-through funder. The opportunity was listed with an award ceiling of $50,000 and an expectation of one award. Eligibility, as stated in the source data, is limited to nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS status (excluding institutions of higher education). The posting shows a creation date of February 17, 2021, and an original closing date of March 24, 2021, placing it within the Embassy’s 2021 programming cycle for entrepreneurship and women’s economic empowerment.Apply for PAS UKRAINE 2021 007
- The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Ukraine in the business and commerce, employment, labor and training sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Empowering Ukrainian Businesswomen through the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.900.
- This funding opportunity was created on Feb 17, 2021.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 24, 2021. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $50,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) What is the grant opportunity called and what is its funding opportunity number?
The opportunity is titled "Empowering Ukrainian Businesswomen through the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs" and its Funding Opportunity Number is PAS UKRAINE 2021 007.
2) Who is offering this grant?
This is a U.S. Department of State, U.S. Mission to Ukraine competition administered by the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine.
3) How many awards are expected under this opportunity?
The notice indicates an expectation of one award.
4) What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
The award ceiling listed for this opportunity is $50,000.
5) What type of award is it?
The award is structured as a cooperative agreement, which means the U.S. Embassy is likely to remain actively engaged during implementation rather than acting only as a pass-through funder.
6) Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is limited to nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS status, excluding institutions of higher education.
7) What is the overall purpose of this grant?
The purpose is to select a single organization to implement the second round of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) in Ukraine, positioned as a practical entrepreneurship accelerator combining structured learning, mentorship, and networking.
8) What is AWE and how does it relate to broader U.S. government initiatives?
AWE is a global U.S. Department of State initiative created by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs in 2019 to support the Women’s Global Development and Prosperity Initiative, which set a target of economically empowering 50 million women worldwide by 2025.
9) Which regions of Ukraine are prioritized?
The Embassy’s priority focus is central and eastern Ukraine.
10) Who are the intended participants?
The intended participants are women ages 21 to 40 who are prospective entrepreneurs or already running early-stage businesses.
11) Are there inclusion expectations for participant recruitment?
Yes. The program is expected to be inclusive of underrepresented groups, specifically noting veterans, members of the LGBTI community, and ethnic or linguistic minorities.
12) How many participants must be served at a minimum?
A central required component is delivery of AWE to at least 75 competitively selected participants drawn from across Ukraine.
13) Does the program need to be virtual or in-person?
Because the opportunity was designed during the COVID-19 period, proposals are expected to assume that most or all program elements will be virtual.
14) What kind of online infrastructure is required?
Applicants must propose a strong digital backbone, including online and social media platforms capable of supporting outreach and advertising, participant registration, internal communications, progress tracking, and alumni engagement.
15) What curriculum is required?
The curriculum foundation must include the DreamBuilder Massive Open Online Course on women’s entrepreneurship, which consists of 13 modules originally in English.
16) Is translation of DreamBuilder content required?
Yes. The implementing organization is expected to translate the 13 DreamBuilder modules into Ukrainian.
17) Are additional or localized learning materials expected?
Yes. Applicants are expected to develop supplemental materials to make the content more relevant to the local market, address Ukraine-specific business realities, and build additional practical skills.
18) What facilitation capacity is required for the course modules?
At least one facilitator per module is required. This can be one person delivering the full course or different facilitators assigned by topic area.
19) Do proposals need to identify facilitators?
Yes. The application is expected to name potential facilitators and demonstrate they have appropriate business education backgrounds or hands-on experience to guide participants effectively through DreamBuilder content.
20) How important is mentorship in this program design?
Mentorship is treated as a core design feature rather than an add-on.
21) What mentorship structure is required?
Applicants must propose a mentor pool that supports participants one-on-one and in small groups, meeting at least every two weeks to discuss course material, troubleshoot problems, and keep participants moving toward concrete business outcomes.
22) What mentor-to-participant ratio is considered ideal?
The ideal ratio is one mentor for every two to three participants, indicating the program is intended to be high-touch.
23) What types of mentors are highlighted as strong fits?
The notice points to mentors such as alumni of U.S. government exchange programs (including the Fortune-State Global Women’s Mentoring Partnership, Fulbright, IVLP, and Professional Fellows) and respected Ukrainian business leaders.
24) Are workshops required in addition to weekly learning and mentorship?
Yes. The program must include two multi-day "deep dive" workshops held during the DreamBuilder course with intensive reviews, practical assignments, and hands-on work sessions led by facilitators and mentors.
25) Is a policy or strategy-focused convening required?
Yes. The program must convene at least one roundtable bringing together women’s economic empowerment NGOs, AWE II participants, and Ukrainian government representatives to develop a two-to-three-year strategic plan for advancing women’s economic participation.
26) Is an event focused on funding and capital access required?
Yes. Applicants must organize at least one event with financial service providers and donor organizations so participants learn about fundraising sources and basic fundraising principles.
27) What networking requirements are included?
The implementing organization must facilitate sharing of success stories and relationship-building between the new cohort and alumni from the earlier Ukraine AWE program, and help connect participants with AWE networks in other countries.
28) Will the Embassy help with international connections?
The Embassy indicates it can help with international connections after an award is made, but proposals still need a clear plan for how networking will be structured and sustained, especially in a primarily virtual environment.
29) What is the capstone event for the program?
The program culminates in a "Final Forum" where participants pitch their business ideas to potential investors and donors.
30) What must applicants explain about the Final Forum?
Applicants must explain how they will recruit and secure meaningful participation from investors and donors, how pitches will be evaluated, and how the event will be designed to be competitive while remaining supportive.
31) Are small grants to participants required as part of the program budget?
Yes. Proposals must include a budget line for small grants to award to the strongest pitches.
32) Are non-monetary prizes expected?
Yes. Plans should include non-monetary prizes for runners-up, such as invitations to trade events, internship or fellowship opportunities, or additional training and educational opportunities.
33) What sustainability requirements apply after the course ends?
Sustainability is a major expectation. Applicants must create an "Alumni Club" and describe follow-on meetings or other activities to maintain momentum, track alumni progress, and continue professional development after graduation.
34) What monitoring and evaluation expectations are included?
A strong monitoring and evaluation plan is required, including measurement of participation, progress through the course, mentorship engagement, quality of outputs (such as business plans or pitch readiness), and longer-term outcomes after graduation.
35) What kinds of partnerships or added support are applicants expected to pursue?
Applicants are expected to expand AWE’s reach and long-term impact by weaving in experienced mentors, forging public-private partnerships, attracting private sector financial or in-kind support, and designing follow-on activities for alumni engagement.
36) When was this opportunity posted and when did it originally close?
The posting shows a creation date of February 17, 2021, and an original closing date of March 24, 2021.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Business and Commerce, Employment, Labor and Training
Next opportunity: DRL Strengthening Civil Society in Ukraine
Previous opportunity: WaterSMART Grants: Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for PAS UKRAINE 2021 007
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (PAS UKRAINE 2021 007) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| USAID/Kosovo Inclusive Economic Engagement Activity Apply for 72016722RFA00004 Funding Number: 72016722RFA00004 Agency: Agency for International Development, Kosovo USAID-Pristina Category: Business and Commerce, Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $6,000,000 |
| Developing Gender-Inclusive Workplace Policies for Indian Companies Apply for M NOFO 22 101 Funding Number: M NOFO 22 101 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to India Category: Business and Commerce, Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Small Business Network of the Americas Partnership Apply for WHAP WHAAQPPC 16 005 Funding Number: WHAP WHAAQPPC 16 005 Agency: Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs Category: Business and Commerce, Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $2,970,297 |
| Nexus 3.0 Apply for ND NOFO 24 102 Funding Number: ND NOFO 24 102 Agency: U.S. Mission to India Category: Business and Commerce, Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Supporting Job Creation for Young Tunisians from Marginalized Communities Apply for NEAAC ACBURGR 17 009 Funding Number: NEAAC ACBURGR 17 009 Agency: Assistance Coordination Category: Business and Commerce, Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Driving Local Development with the Tunisian Chambers of Commerce Apply for NEAAC ACBURGR 17 012 Funding Number: NEAAC ACBURGR 17 012 Agency: Assistance Coordination Category: Business and Commerce, Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "PAS UKRAINE 2021 007", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.