Chevron backs women entrepreneurs

January saw the graduation of more than 40 women from the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), who will go on to contribute to economic development through their businesses across the island.

Administered by CyprusInno and supported by the US Embassy in Nicosia and Chevron, AWE was founded in 2019 with the aim of empowering women with the knowledge, networks, and access they need to launch and run successful businesses.

It combines in-class mentoring through the DreamBuilder online platform, covering core business skills such as strategic planning, marketing, financial management, pitching, legal, and more.

Through the program, participants connect with a supportive community of women entrepreneurs, draw inspiration from successful leaders, and receive mentorship from industry experts and AWE alumnae.

“Participating in the AWE entrepreneurship program has been an incredibly transformative experience for me,” said Marianna Karavali, one of the AWE 2024 graduates. “The opportunity to connect with fellow women entrepreneurs fostered a strong sense of community. Sharing our dreams, challenges and solutions was not only inspiring but also deeply reassuring.”

Participants honed their business skills through dynamic workshops, pitching sessions, and networking events, while taking part in visits to women-owned businesses and industry gatherings. Personal development activities, such as art therapy, further supported their entrepreneurial growth.

More than 40 women graduated from the academy in 2024, recording a 58% rise in graduates over the previous year. More than 120 applications were received, featuring business ideas ranging from education, technology, and the arts, to media, wellness, e-commerce, and sustainable social practices.

Graduate Ileana Christoforou said the program was an “empowering experience that provided invaluable mentorship, practical business strategies, and a supportive network,” that boosted her confidence greatly and provided her with the essential tools to effectively drive her business growth.

Christoforou (R) and Melina Demetriou

Christoforou, Karavali, and their fellow graduates received their certificates on January 17 from the U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus, Julie D. Fisher, and Melina Demetriou, Chevron Cyprus Finance Manager, during a ceremony in Nicosia.

“It's an honor to be among such formidable women who are making significant contributions to Cyprus' economic development and inspiring women and girls through their work and example,” Demetriou said. “On behalf of all my colleagues at Chevron, I can confidently say that the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs embodies the Chevron Way, and we are immensely proud to be your partner. We believe our business succeeds when our people and communities succeed.

A US-backed global initiative with presence in nearly 100, countries, AWE has helped an estimated 25,000 women entrepreneurs around the world grow their businesses and reach their full potential.