The Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards is a contest and entrepreneurial award (USD100,000 to a winner from each region) that supports women entrepreneurs who lead social enterprises in their early phases and have potential to grow significantly.
Type: Entrepreneurship.
About the Award.
The Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards have supported 219 female entrepreneurs worldwide since 2006. Each year, 21 finalists from these 7 regions are selected during the first round of the competition. (Latin America & the Caribbean, North America, Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East & North Africa, East Asia and South Asia & Oceania). These finalists are then invited to attend the Awards week (the exact location is still To be Confirmed) where the second round of the competition takes place. After the final jury evaluation, only 7 laureates, one for each region, will be announced on stage during the Awards ceremony.
How to apply.
Go to this link to apply.
We suggest that you download the application form worksheet first and that you write your answers in a separate draft document. You can then copy and paste them into the online form.
And before you start your application, please ensure that your business meets the eligibility criteria. If one or several of the items set out in the list below do not apply to your business then it is ineligible for this edition of the programme.
Eligible Countries.
Cartier reviews applications from 7 regions (Latin America, North America, Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East & North Africa, Far East Asia, South-East Asia). One from each region wins this award.
Eligibility criteria.
The project to be considered for the Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards must be an original for-profit business creation in its initial phase (2 to 3 years old) led by a woman:
- The “for-profit“ requirement: the business submitted for the Award must be designed to generate revenues. They do not accept non-profit project proposals.
- The “originality“ requirement: they want your project to be a new concept, conceived and imagined by the founder and her team and not a copy or subsidiary of an existing business.
- The “initial phase“ requirement: the project you submit should be in the first stages of its development meaning between 2 and 3 years old.
- The main leadership position must be filled by a woman. A good command of English is required (both verbal and written) to take full advantage of the benefits the Award has to offer.
- All entrants must be aged 18 or the age of legal majority in their respective countries or states of citizenship, whichever is older, on the day of the application deadline.
Selection Criteria.
The Jury evaluates the projects based on criteria of creativity, sustainability (potential for growth) and impact.
- The creativity criterion: the Jury looks at the degree of innovation shown by the overall business concept, the uniqueness of the project on the market or country where it is being developed.
- The sustainability criterion: the Jury examines the financial impact of the business, its revenue model, development strategy and other aspects indicating its chances of long-term success and future growth.
- The impact criterion: the Jury evaluates the effect of the business on society, in terms of jobs created or its effect on the immediate or broader environment.
- The overall quality and clarity of the material presented: the Jury is looking for motivated and committed entrepreneurs who are passionate about their initiatives. Being clear and concise, organizing your ideas and not repeating yourself will show that you are serious about your application
Potential Awards.
The 21 finalists, representing the top 3 businesses from each of the 7 regions, will receive:
- One-to-one personalized business coaching prior to the Awards week.
- A series of business coaching workshops and networking sessions during the Awards week.
- Media visibility for the finalists and their businesses in the months leading up to the Awards week and interview opportunities with local & international press during the Awards week.
- PRIZE MONEY:
- The 7 laureates (1 from each region) will receive: US$ 100 000 in prize money.
- The 14 finalists (the two runners-up from each region) will receive: US$ 30 000 in prize money.
- AWARDS PACKAGE: In addition to the prize money, all 21 finalists will be awarded:
- A scholarship to attend the six-day INSEAD Social Entrepreneurship Executive Education Programme (pending admission to the programme based on eligibility criteria and selection process).
- Ongoing support for the further growth and development of their business.
Application Deadline.
31st July 2020 by 2pm Paris time (CEST).
