Cartier Women’s Initiative

The Cartier Women’s Initiative is an annual international entrepreneurship program that aims to drive change by empowering women impact entrepreneurs. Each year, Cartier Women’s Initiative recognizes 30 entrepreneurs through 9 regional awards and Science & Technology Pioneer Award, providing them with up to $100,000 USD in financial support, mentorship, and access to a global network.

Applications are currently open for the 2026 cohort.

Awards / Funding Grant

The top three impact businesses Oceania, and in respect of the Science & Technology Pioneer Award, the winners will receive:

• US$ 100,000 grant for first-place; US$ 60,000 grant for second-place; and US$ 30,000 grant for third-place
• Access to support that includes a combination of 1:1 training, coaching, workshops and mentorship.

Eligibility for Regional Awards

Your business needs to be a for-profit women-owned and women-led impact-driven businesses, that:

• Can demonstrate that it has realized positive impact in its industry and that it has the potential to realize even more impact as it scales.
• Contributes to at least one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Is at an early-stage but with a proven business model and be in the initial phase of its development and growth between 1 and 6 years old.
• is generating revenue from no later than June 2024 from the sales of its products and/or services.
• The business should not have raised more than US$2 million in dilutive or potentially dilutive funding (i.e. equity, quasi-equity like SAFE or Convertible Notes) as of the date of application.

Eligibility for Science & Technology Pioneer Award

Your business needs to be a for-profit women-owned and women-led impact-driven businesses, that:

• The business should be based on the development of a new technology, a complex engineering process, or a scientific discovery, and not only on a disruptive business model
• Can demonstrate that it has the potential to have a significant positive impact in its industry.
• Contributes to at least one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Is at an early-stage or initial phase of its development or growth. It must have at least a proof of concept, a prototype, or be in the process of producing one and must not have been commercializing its final product/service for more than 6 years.

Learn More

To learn more and apply for one of the Cartier Women’s Initiative awards click here.

Note applications for the 2026 cohort close 24 June 2025

Wayne Wanders is an experienced Business Advisor and Outsourced CFO who can help to scale and grow your business profitably. Wayne may also be able to assist you in preparing any grant application. 

Contact Wayne on wayne@arealcfo.com.au or 0412 227 052.

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Want a confidential discussion on your business situation, help with your grant application or to learn more about my Outsourced CFO Services, simply email me at wayne@aRealCFO.com.au or call me on 0412 227 052