Applications are now open for the Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards 2027, a globally recognized program supporting women entrepreneurs with up to $100,000 in grant funding, alongside mentorship, training, and international exposure.

The initiative is designed to empower women-led, impact-driven businesses that are addressing social and environmental challenges through scalable solutions.

About the Program

The Cartier Women’s Initiative is a global entrepreneurship program that supports women founders who are leveraging business as a force for good.

Launched in 2006, the program identifies and funds high-impact, women-led businesses across multiple regions, including Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

Each year, fellows are selected from different regions and thematic categories, forming a global network of changemakers committed to sustainable development.

Funding and Benefits

Selected fellows will receive:

$100,000 grant for first-place winners
$60,000 grant for second-place winners
$30,000 grant for third-place winners

In addition to funding, participants will gain access to:

Leadership training and executive coaching
Business and financial mentorship
INSEAD Women’s Impact Entrepreneurship Program
Global exposure and media visibility
Access to a lifelong network of over 500 entrepreneurs

The program combines financial capital, human capital, and social capital to support long-term business growth.

Focus Areas

The initiative supports businesses that:

Address social or environmental challenges
Contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Deliver measurable impact and scalable solutions

There are no strict sector limitations, making it open to a wide range of industries.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, applicants must:

Be women entrepreneurs in a leadership role (e.g., CEO, Founder, Managing Director)
Own or co-own a for-profit business
Have a business generating between $50,000 and $5 million in annual revenue
Employ between 5 and 250 team members
Have raised less than $2 million in funding
Demonstrate measurable social or environmental impact
Be at least 18 years old and proficient in English

The business must be independent, scalable, and impact-driven.

Program Structure

The fellowship runs throughout 2027 and includes:

Leadership and communication training
Workshops and coaching sessions
Global networking opportunities
Awards ceremony and recognition event

Fellows are also required to track and report their impact over time.

Application Deadline

Applications opened on April 16, 2026, and will close strictly on the deadline.

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply

Follow these steps to successfully apply:

Step 1: Visit the Official Application Portal

Start your application here:
Apply here: https://www.cartierwomensinitiative.com/awards

Step 2: Choose Your Category

Select the regional or thematic award that best fits your business.

Step 3: Review Eligibility Criteria

Ensure your business meets all requirements before proceeding.

Step 4: Prepare Your Application

Gather details about your business model, impact, and financials.

Step 5: Complete the Online Form

Fill in all required sections carefully.

Step 6: Submit Before Deadline

Ensure submission is completed before June 16, 2026.

Step 7: Await Selection Results

Applicants will be notified by December 2026, with fellows announced in 2027.

Why You Should Apply

The Cartier Women’s Initiative is one of the most prestigious global programs for women entrepreneurs, offering not just funding but world-class mentorship, training, and international visibility.

For African women founders, this is a rare opportunity to access global networks, scale impact, and position their businesses on the world stage.