The Caribbean Institute for Women in Leadership (CIWiL) has officially launched the third iteration of its landmark Fempenure Fund Program, a targeted initiative created to uplift women entrepreneurs across Antigua and Barbuda. This new cohort is delivered through a strategic multi-stakeholder partnership that brings together the Prime Minister’s Entrepreneurial Development Programme (EDP), the Inland Revenue Department, and the Intellectual Property & Commerce office, demonstrating aligned dedication to advancing women-led economic activity.
Organizers of the program emphasize that this cross-agency collaboration is more than a logistical arrangement—it reflects a shared national commitment to nurturing women’s enterprise and driving inclusive, sustainable economic growth across the twin-island nation. Unlike generic business support schemes, the Fempenure Fund Program is tailored to meet the unique needs of women entrepreneurs at every stage of their professional journey, whether they are launching a brand-new startup or scaling an already established small business. Participants will gain access to specialized industry knowledge, critical business resources, and ongoing mentorship and guidance, all designed to help them build resilient, profitable enterprises that can withstand market fluctuations.
For CIWiL, the launch of this third cohort marks a key milestone in the organization’s long-standing core mission: empowering women through leadership development and entrepreneurial opportunity. The institution notes that when women business owners are given the tools to succeed, the positive impact ripples far beyond individual company balance sheets. Strong, stable women-led businesses generate lasting benefits for household incomes, local community development, and the overall national economy.
“At CIWiL, we believe that when women succeed, families prosper, communities thrive, and nations grow stronger,” a representative from the organization stated in a press briefing following the launch. The program is being rolled out under the unifying theme “Empowering Women. Strengthening Businesses. Transforming Communities.” which encapsulates its broad, long-term objectives. CIWiL is actively encouraging both aspiring new entrepreneurs and established women business owners across Antigua and Barbuda to take advantage of this opportunity, framing the program as a clear pathway to grow their enterprises, advance their professional goals, and contribute to national economic progress.