Description
A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy in Australia announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a mentorship program designed to empower, inspire, and upskill up-and-coming Australian women entrepreneurs and improve understanding about the U.S.-Australia economic relationship. A.1 Background Women’s economic participation is crucial to establishing stable, peaceful, and prosperous communities and economies. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated many existing crises, and the disproportionate global and regional economic impact of the pandemic on women has been substantial. The economic links established between the United States and Australia have been a key source of stability, growth, and productivity for the Australian economy. According to a recent Deloitte report, the United States is the single largest source of foreign investment in Australia, and much of that investment is underpinned by entrepreneurship on both sides of the Pacific. Australian innovators and entrepreneurs have long looked to the United States for funding, insight, and inspiration, but a growing cadre of Australian entrepreneurs increasingly see bright futures for them and their ideas here in Australia. As the United States and Australia look to grow their economies out of the COVID-19 economic slowdown, a vibrant culture of entrepreneurship will play an increasingly critical role in creating new, high-paying jobs, improving productivity, and generating economic growth. Empowering women to fully participate in their economies will be an essential part of long-term economic recovery in both countries. A.2 Program Goals This program seeks to facilitate a mentorship program between budding Australian women entrepreneurs aged 20-30 and established American women business leaders. The program will enable a diverse cohort of emerging Australian women entrepreneurs to develop skills and professional networks needed to support future business ventures. The program will also raise awareness about the U.S.-Australia economic relationship and opportunities for increased economic partnership between Australian and American businesses, business associations, and NGOs. A.3 Expected Results This program is expected to result in increased ability of emerging Australian women entrepreneurs to participate fully in the economy. Following the program, participants will be better equipped to develop new business ventures through enhanced skills and professional networks. Participants will also have a better understanding of the U.S.-Australia economic relationship and opportunities for collaboration between American and Australian enterprises. A.4 Main Activities This program seeks to facilitate upskilling for careers in entrepreneurship, professional networking, and increased understanding of the U.S.-Australia economic relationship through mentoring, training, and networking sessions with emerging Australian women entrepreneurs and established American women business leaders. Program duration and delivery format are flexible; however, the program should not center on international travel considering ongoing restrictions relating to COVID-19. A.5 Performance Indicators Performance indicators can include, but are not limited to: · Number of Australian participants · Number of connections facilitated between Australian participants and American mentors · Number and duration of mentoring, training, and/or networking sessions · Participants’ attitudes of their skills to engage in entrepreneurial activities · Participants’ attitudes of the U.S.-Australia economic relationship A.6 Audiences This program seeks to engage a cohort of budding Australian women entrepreneurs between the ages of 20-30. All applications must identify the target audience of the program and estimate audience reach through direct contact, and if possible, through indirect contact via social or traditional media.