Akilah Institute for Women has introduced an entrepreneurship Business Diploma programme targeting women, with the aim of economically empowering them, especially through business.According to the institute’s management, the two-year programme will nurture women to become leaders within the business community.The Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of the Kigali-based institute, Elizabeth Dearborn Davis, noted that the entrepreneurship programme would equip women with necessary skills and tools to realise their dreams of owning a business. "It is an intensive two-year programme designed for women who have a demonstrated desire to launch their own business venture,” explained Dearborn.She added the programme helps women to understand the market, develop a business plan, access start-up capital or finance, and manage a business and team.  In a statement, the institute said that upon graduation, the Akilah Student Opportunity Fund, established by private sector donors, will provide a chance for students to compete in a business plan competition to receive loans.   Applications for the course are now being accepted through March 2, 2012 and classes will begin in September 9, 2012. Opened in 2010, Akilah Institute aims at empowering young women in East Africa to transform their lives by equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to find meaningful employment and launch ventures in the fastest growing sectors of the economy.