By examining the American marketplace, its unique culture, standards and expectations, they will assess and brainstorm capacity-building for trade with the U.S. market. Opportunities for personal interaction with American businesses that trade in their region will further this dialogue.  Exploring the offerings of innovative public-private partnerships and visiting with representatives of business networks that provide support, the delegation will gain an understanding of how American businesses build their own market capacity on an ongoing basis. In addition, meeting with U.S, federal agencies, private sector experts and international organizations they will learn about the financial resources that are available to African women-owned businesses. The program will also address the issue of economic marginalization based on gender - an experience American women share and have made great strides in overcoming. Meetings on this theme will explore the roles of community leadership and sustained political advocacy in righting gender inequities and effecting positive policy change.