The first Italian edition of the Academy For Women Entrepreneurs, the U.S. State Department's program that aims to provide women and girls with the knowledge and network they need to turn their business ideas into reality, free of charge, has kicked off.

The Academy For Women Entrepreneurs was born out of a partnership between the U.S. Diplomatic Mission in Italy and the UNiversity of Naples Federico II, and will see 55 selected participants from all over Italy develop the skills needed to realize their entrepreneurial dreams.

Joining the 55 girls and their mentors were Rector Matteo Lorito, Campania Region's Councillor for Research, Innovation and Start-Ups Valeria Fascione, Consul General