Are you a woman entrepreneur making a real difference in your community or industry? The Cartier Women’s Initiative Regional Award 2027 offers a chance to gain funding, training, and connections for your impact-driven business. This program supports women-led companies that tackle social, economic, or environmental challenges while generating revenue.
Applications opened on April 16, 2026, and close on June 16, 2026, at 2 p.m. Central European Summer Time. Nine regions around the world will select top businesses, giving winners tools to grow and scale their positive effects.
Who Can Apply?
The award targets women-owned and women-led businesses that use profits to create good in the world. Your company must meet clear rules to qualify.
First, it needs to show positive impact. This means your business already helps its field and can do more as it grows. It should link to at least one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, like reducing poverty or fighting climate change.
Your business must be for-profit. It should earn enough money to run and give some back to owners. You do not need to be profitable right now, but non-profits cannot apply.
The stage of your business matters. In your last full fiscal year, it should have brought in between $50,000 and $5 million USD in revenue. Your team should have 5 to 250 members, including full-time staff, part-timers, seasonal workers, or contractors.
Funding limits apply. Your business cannot have raised more than $2 million USD in dilutive funding, such as equity or convertible notes. Companies with no outside funding are welcome too.
Leadership is key. You must be a woman in a top role, like CEO, COO, CTO, general manager, or managing director.
The business must stand alone. It needs to be independent from founders in finances and fully original, not a spin-off or franchise.
Ownership rules state the company must be incorporated and mostly owned by founders and team. You need to be on the founding team with a share equal to or larger than any co-founder’s.
You must be at least 18 years old by the deadline and speak English well.
People with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The program works to include them fully.
What Do Winners Receive?
Top three businesses from each of the nine regions become fellows. They get three types of support: financial, human, and social.
Financial Support
- First place: $100,000 USD grant
- Second place: $60,000 USD grant
- Third place: $30,000 USD grant
These grants help fuel growth without giving up ownership.
Human Capital Support
Fellows join a year-long fellowship with training tailored to women impact entrepreneurs.
This includes:
- Workshops on leadership, communications, and media skills.
- An in-person program with INSEAD on women’s impact entrepreneurship.
- One-on-one training in key business areas.
- Personal executive coaching from The Women’s Impact Alliance.
About 50 hours total spread over the year, mixing group sessions and individual work.
Social Capital Support
The program builds networks and visibility.
- Global media exposure for you and your business.
- Mentorship from jury members.
- Entry to a community of over 500 members for life.
- Help promoting your impact story.
Fellows report on their progress for three years after the program ends.
Time Commitment for Fellows
If selected, plan for January to December 2027. The fellowship has three phases.
Phase 1: Communication and Stance (January to May)
- Two days of on-site filming about you and your business.
- Around 20 hours of group workshops.
Phase 2: Celebrate and Connect (May/June)
- 2.5-day in-person INSEAD program.
- Then 4.5 days for Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards Week.
Phase 3: Skills and Leadership (June to December)
- About 28 hours of one-on-one coaching.
This structure helps you build skills, connect with others, and boost your business.
Key Dates and Application Process
Mark these dates:
- Applications open: April 16, 2026
- Deadline: June 16, 2026, 2 p.m. CEST
- First notifications: August 2026
- All decisions by December 2026
Apply online through the official portal. Prepare details on your business impact, finances, team, and leadership. Show how you fit the criteria and align with SDGs.
Review the full guidelines on the Cartier Women’s Initiative site for tips. Strong applications highlight real results and growth plans.
This award opens doors for women turning ideas into lasting change. With regions covering the globe, check which one fits your location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Cartier Women’s Initiative Regional Award 2027?
Women-led for-profit businesses with $50,000 to $5 million USD in revenue last year, 5 to 250 team members, positive impact tied to UN Sustainable Development Goals, and under $2 million in dilutive funding.
What financial support do winners receive?
First place gets a $100,000 USD grant, second place $60,000 USD, and third place $30,000 USD to fuel growth without giving up ownership.
When is the application deadline for the 2027 award?
Applications close on June 16, 2026, at 2 p.m. Central European Summer Time.
What is the time commitment for selected fellows?
Fellows commit to about 50 hours over 2027, including workshops, a 2.5-day in-person program, awards week, filming, and one-on-one coaching.
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