The Cartier Women’s Initiative Regional Awards stand as a beacon for women entrepreneurs seeking to scale their ideas and create lasting change. Whether you’re transforming access to clean water, revolutionizing food systems, or bridging healthcare gaps, this opportunity is tailor-made for you.
Open to women leaders across all sectors and geographies, this prestigious initiative offers a rare combination of financial, human, and social capital, designed to propel your mission forward.
Why Apply to the Cartier Women’s Initiative?
Before anything else, let’s explore the immense value of joining this global fellowship. Winners from nine regions—Africa, Latin America, North America, Europe, Middle East, East Asia, South Asia, Oceania, and Francophone Sub-Saharan Africa—receive a transformative package designed to take their business to the next level.
💸 Financial Capital Support
Every top-three regional finalist earns a generous grant to fuel their impact journey:
- 🥇 First place: $100,000
- 🥈 Second place: $60,000
- 🥉 Third place: $30,000
These funds are not loans or equity-based; they are non-dilutive grants to help you grow sustainably.
🧠 Human Capital Support
Beyond funding, the Cartier Women’s Initiative pours into your development as a visionary leader through a year-long fellowship. It includes:
- Leadership and media training workshops
- Participation in the INSEAD Women’s Impact Entrepreneurship Program
- 1:1 executive leadership coaching by The Women’s Impact Alliance
- Custom business coaching in finance, operations, marketing, and more
This holistic support ensures you grow not just as a business leader—but as a change maker.
🌍 Social Capital Support
Connection is everything. The program opens doors to:
- International media visibility
- Support and mentorship by influential jury members
- Access to a global alumni community of over 500+ women leaders
- Ongoing business development support long after the fellowship ends
Together, this creates a rich network that continues to add value for years.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Should Apply?
The Cartier Women’s Initiative is looking for women-owned and women-led businesses that combine profit with purpose. Here’s a breakdown of the requirements:
- Positive Impact: Business must align with at least one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- For-Profit Model: Must generate revenue (non-profits are not eligible)
- Early Stage: Registered between June 2019 and June 2024
- Revenue Generating: At least one year of sales by June 2025
- Funding Cap: No more than $2 million in dilutive funding
- Leadership: Applicant must be a woman in a founder and executive role
- Ownership: Majority-owned by founders/team; applicant must hold equal or greater equity than any co-founder
- Legal Age: Must be 18+ years old by June 24, 2025
- English Proficiency: At least B2 level to participate fully in the program
- Time Commitment: 1–3 hours weekly (virtual), plus one in-person week and two days of on-site filming
Selection Process: How Are Fellows Chosen?
The journey begins with your online application. After shortlisting and a deep due diligence process, the top five applicants per region pitch to a jury. The top three are selected as fellows based on six comprehensive criteria:
1. Embedded Positive Impact
- Intentional and mission-driven
- Impact is core to the business model
- Scalable social or environmental benefit
- Active impact measurement
2. Market Fit
- Real market demand and clear problem-solution match
- Competitive edge
- Potential for expansion across geographies
3. Business Sustainability
- Strong financial model with future profitability
- Scalable, repeatable revenue strategy
- Customer retention and upselling potential
4. Execution Strategy
- Clear goals and roadmaps
- Risk planning and adaptability
- Performance tracking mechanisms
5. Team Strength
- Diverse, complementary team
- Proven leadership and industry experience
- Access to advisors and key networks
6. Leadership Character
- Integrity, grit, and entrepreneurial spirit
- Alignment with Cartier values (Curiosity, Generosity, Respect, etc.)
- Dedication to the Cartier Women’s Initiative vision
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
Ready to put your business on the global stage? Follow these simple steps:
Required Documents
- ✅ Resume (CV)
- ✅ Business registration certificate
- ✅ Capitalization table
- ✅ Pitch deck (15 pages max.)
Optional Documents
- 🔹 Competitive landscape analysis
- 🔹 Up to 3 additional files: impact framework, brochure, media, research, product images, etc.
📢 Please note: All documents must be submitted with the application form—separate email submissions are not accepted.
Important Dates
🗓 Application Deadline: June 24, 2025
📆 Fellowship Duration: January to December 2026
🎥 Filming of Fellow’s Story: Q1 2026
🌍 In-Person Program Week: April/May 2026
Explore the full details and begin your application via the official website. Also, check out other award categories like the Science & Technology Pioneer Award for innovations in hard-to-reproduce tech and science.
Final Thoughts: Why Now is the Time
The Cartier Women’s Initiative Regional Awards are more than an accolade. It’s a launchpad for bold women entrepreneurs ready to lead, inspire, and uplift others through business. With capital, coaching, and connection—all under one roof—there’s no better time to step forward.
🌟 Are you ready to turn your impact into a legacy? Then apply now and let your business light the way.
