Fifty Saudi Arabian women will learn how to become entrepreneurs, with the help of an educational program from the University of Iowa that will also connect them with mentors throughout the state. The university’s Institute for International Business has received a $123,000 State Department grant through the U.S. Consulate in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to provide entrepreneurial education to the women, who live in the western part of Saudi Arabia. The Western Saudi Arabia Venture School for Women program is designed to “put new entrepreneurial tools into the hands of Saudi women,” said Dimy Doresca, director of the IIB, a partnership between the Iowa John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and the Tippie College of Business. Female Iowa entrepreneurs will also work with the Saudi women as mentors, providing support and encouragement while serving as role models. “With the guidance of Iowa professionals, we will train aspiring innovators of business and social enterprise through the startup process using methods that reduce risk and encourage ongoing innovation,” said Doresca. “We will nurture and empower women in Saudi Arabia to become examples of social and economic success in their communities.” More details about the one-year program can be found at this link.