2026 Cartier Women’s Initiative: Recognizing Regional Women Entrepreneurs
Deadline: June 24, 2025
The Cartier Women’s Initiative Regional Awards 2026 is now accepting applications. This annual international program supports women impact entrepreneurs by providing funding, training, and networking opportunities. The awards recognize women-led, impact-driven businesses across all sectors and regions, encouraging applications from entrepreneurs worldwide, including those with disabilities.
The application process is now open for the Cartier Women’s Initiative Regional Awards 2026. This prestigious annual international entrepreneurship program is dedicated to empowering women impact entrepreneurs who are driving meaningful change. The Regional Awards aim to recognize and support talented women-led and women-owned impact-driven businesses worldwide, across all sectors and regions.
We warmly welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, and will make every effort to ensure inclusive participation.
Program Overview and Regions
Founded in 2006, the Cartier Women’s Initiative selects 27 fellows annually through its Regional Awards, representing nine regions:
– Latin America and the Caribbean
– North America
– Europe
– Francophone Sub-Saharan Africa
– Anglophone and Lusophone Africa
– Middle East and North Africa
– East Asia
– South Asia and Central Asia
– Oceania
Benefits of Participation
Financial Support:
– First place: US$ 100,000 grant
– Second place: US$ 60,000 grant
– Third place: US$ 30,000 grant
Human Capital (Fellowship):
– Targeted training in leadership, communications, and media
– In-person INSEAD Women Impact Entrepreneurship Program
– Personalized business development coaching
– Leadership and executive skills workshops
Social Capital and Visibility:
– Highlighting social and environmental impact
– International exposure and media coverage
– Mentorship and support from jury members
– Access to a lifelong community of over 500 active entrepreneurs and supporters
Eligibility Criteria
– The business must demonstrate positive impact in its industry and potential for greater impact as it scales. It should contribute to at least one UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).
– The business should generate enough revenue to sustain operations and provide some profit to owners; non-profit organizations are not eligible.
– The business should have a proven model and be in its early growth phase (1-6 years of licensed or registered operations).
– The business must have been generating revenue for at least one year from sales of products or services, with income recurring according to its cycle.
– Total dilutive funding received should not exceed US$ 2 million.
– The applicant must be a woman occupying a key leadership role (e.g., CEO, COO, CTO, General Manager, Managing Director).
– The business must be majority-owned by its founders and team members at the time of application, with the applicant being part of the founding team.
– One of the following conditions must be met:
1. Women are the largest shareholders of the founder’s equity, or
2. The applicant owns an equity share equal to or greater than that of her co-founders.
– Sole proprietorships are not eligible.
– Proficiency in English at a B2 level or higher (Common European Framework) is required.
– Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply, and efforts will be made to facilitate their participation.
– Participants must commit to the fellowship program from January 2026 to December 2026.
Selection Criteria
– Positive impact embedded in the business model
– Market analysis and product-market fit
– Sustainable business and financial model
– Strategy and execution capabilities
– Leadership qualities and character of the applicant
Application Details
– All applications must be submitted in English.
– Deadline: June 24, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Central European Summer Time (CEST).
In conclusion, the Cartier Women’s Initiative offers a unique and comprehensive platform for women entrepreneurs worldwide to grow their businesses, amplify their impact, and connect with a global community of changemakers. With its commitment to inclusivity, support for diverse backgrounds—including applicants with disabilities—and a focus on sustainable and impactful enterprises, the program fosters an environment where women leaders can thrive. Through substantial financial awards, targeted training, mentorship, and international exposure, selected fellows will be empowered to advance their ventures and contribute meaningfully to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We encourage eligible women entrepreneurs to seize this opportunity, submit their applications by the June 24, 2025 deadline, and join a movement dedicated to fostering innovative solutions for a better future.
For more information, visit Cartier Women’s Initiative.