A total of 21 women entrepreneurs have graduated from the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) at the much-anticipated graduation ceremony of the AWE’s third cohort, with three local female-led businesses awarded USB3,000 in funding each to further their enterprises. Harry Knit’s modern yet eclectic knitwear inspired by Malay heritage, KUEHKU! card game featuring delicious little delicacies inspired by Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations in Brunei and worldwide, and Khush, a modest and sustainable maternity clothing line, took top spots based on the presentation of their business proposal, its target market, sustainability and marketing strategies and revenue model.
The AWE is a U.S Department of State sponsored program that supports the development of women entrepreneurs around the world. The AWE program in Brunei is implemented by the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) through Darussalam Enterprise (DARe) in collaboration with the Embassy of the United States of America in Brunei Darussalam. In attendance at the graduation ceremony were the Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy II, Yang Mulia Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Khairuddin Bin Haji Abdul Hamid and Her Excellency Caryn McClelland, the United States Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam.
Over the last three cohorts, 66 women entrepreneurs have benefited from other DARe programmes which include business bootcamps, financing, and regional and international networking opportunities like the AWE Regional Summit.
