Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards 2019

Published by rosica

Deadline: 31 August 2018
Open to: women entrepreneurs in the initial stages of development, in any country, of any nationality and operating in any industry
Benefits: first prize for the 7 laureates; second prize for the 14 finalists

Description

The Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards is an annual international business plan competition created in 2006 to identify, support and encourage projects by women entrepreneurs. Founded in 2006 by Cartier, McKinsey & Company and INSEAD Business School, the competition is open to women-run, for-profit businesses in any country and sector working to create strong social impact.

The Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards aims to encourage inspirational women entrepreneurs worldwide to solve contemporary global challenges by:
-supporting and recognizing creative women who are making concrete contributions to finding solutions for the future of our planet;
-bringing these business solutions to the largest audience possible.

Since 2006, Cartier has accompanied 198 promising female business-owners and recognized 70 laureates.

Eligibility

To be considered for the Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards, the project must be an original for-profit early-stage business (1 to 3 years old) led by a woman.

  • For-profit: the business should be designed to generate revenues, non-profit project proposals not accepted.
  • Originality: the business should be a new concept, wholly conceived by the founder or team, and not a copy or subsidiary of an existing business.
  • Early stage: the business should be in the initial phase of its development (between 1-3 years)
  • Revenue generation: the business should currently be generating revenue. It being understood that a business that is generating revenue is not necessarily profitable in its first years of operations.
  • Women leadership & ownership: The main leadership position must be filled by a woman either in the capacity of Director, General Manager or CEO. She must also own significant stake within the company. The ownership of the business is evaluated based on the position of the candidate in relation to other stakeholders.
  • Legal entry age: 18 or the age of legal majority in country of citizenship (whichever is older) on the day of the application deadline.
  • Good command of English required (both verbal and written).

Benefits

Highlights of the Competition

The 21 finalists, representing the top 3 projects from each of the 7 regions, will receive:

  • One-to-one personalized business coaching prior to the Awards week
  • Series of entrepreneurship workshops, knowledge sessions and networking events during the Awards week
  • Media visibility
  • A place on the INSEAD Social Entrepreneurship 6-Day Executive Programme (ISEP)
  • Networking opportunities through the Cartier Awards community

Winning Package

First prize for the 7 laureates:

  • USD 100 000 in prize money
  • One-to-one personalized business mentoring

Second prize for the remaining 14 finalists (second and third runners-up):

  • USD 30 000 in prize money

How to apply?

Before applying please check the Rules of Participation and read more information about the application process here.

For more information please visit the official website.