Educate women creating stable economies globally

Thanks to the holiday generosity of over 40 individuals, IEEW is more than halfway to our funding project for the 2020 in-country business training class. This 10-week course is vital to growing the small business infrastructure necessary to sustain individuals, communities, and economies.

The PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS® program can only take around 30 students per class to be the most effective, and with the need for the program growing each year, selections into each class become tougher. What factors are considered when selecting who gets into the 10-week program?

The first thing to consider: did the applicant turn in their complete application and all required documents on time? Does the applicant meet the specific requirements for the program (at least 1 year in business and at least 51% ownership)? These are the basic requirements. Next, in-country representatives contact the applicants and conduct business visits to meet the business owners and make sure that their business is legitimate. Then, we consider the very important question: what is the applicant’s likelihood to remain engaged in the class and then to pay it forward after they have graduated from the program? Based on application responses, this is deeply considered when it comes down to final selections. We also want a good mix of industries represented in each class to maximize impact on the overall economy in Afghanistan and Rwanda. It isn’t easy, but the list comes down to the top 30 (or so) in each country and the applicants who didn’t make it are encouraged to apply again and to remain involved in their communities and in business.

Classes are already off to a snowy start in Afghanistan, and in Rwanda, classes start on January 21^st! We are so excited to announce this year’s entrepreneurs. The selection process is being finalized for Rwanda after leaders on the ground visited dozens of applicant businesses. This season of preparation for the next class is all worth it when the first day comes around and the women meet each other and join the sisterhood of PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS®. What relationships will form? What success stories will come from this class of entrepreneurs? We are proud to take part in our ever-evolving world by empowering diverse classes of women in business.

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