Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards 2019

Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards

Application Process

In this section, you will find everything you need to know about the Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards’ application process and selection process. Women entrepreneurs in the initial stages of development, in any country, of any nationality and operating in any industry are welcome to submit their application.

WE ARE CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2019 EDITION.
THE CALL FOR APPLICATIONS WILL CLOSE ON AUGUST 31ST 2018.

WHY APPLY?

The Cartier Women's Initiative Awards is looking for committed female entrepreneurs heading initiatives with the potential to grow significantly in the years to come. It is a unique opportunity for early-phase women entrepreneurs to take their companies to the next level.

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 scholarship to attend the INSEAD Social Entrepreneurship 6-Day Executive Programme (provided the business meets INSEAD's eligibility criteria)
• Networking opportunities through the Cartier Awards community

WINNING PACKAGE
First prize for the 7 laureates:
• US$ 100 000 in prize money
• One-to-one personalized business mentoring

Second prize for the 14 finalists:
• US$ 30 000 in prize money

APPLICATION PROCESS
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

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).
HOW TO APPLY

01 Prepare the questions
02 Create your account
03 Complete the form

APPLICATION PROCESS CHECK-LIST

To apply to the Cartier Women's Initiative Awards, you only need to complete the online application form (see questions here). In the form, the supporting documentation listed below will be required from you:

Compulsory
• Resume
• Business registration document
• Proof of patent (if applicable)
• Detailed financials
• Latest company tax returns
• A receipt from tax authorities indicating that you have filed your tax returns (or not filed your taxes if you are exempted)
• Capitalization table

Optional
• Three additional attachments of your choice (logo, images of your product, press articles...)
These documents must be submitted as attachments along with your application form in the "Attachments" section and cannot be sent separately by e-mail.

SELECTION PROCESS
Evaluation Criteria

The Jury evaluates the projects based on criteria of creativity, sustainability (potential for growth) and impact.
• Creativity: degree of innovation shown by the overall business concept, uniqueness of the project on the market or country where it is being developed
• Financial sustainability: financial impact of the business; revenue model, development strategy and other aspects indicating its chances of long-term success and future growth
• Social impact: 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
Selection Process

The selection process is divided into two rounds: the finalists' selection and the laureates' selection.

Round 1
The jury selects 21 finalists, the top three projects of each region (Latin America, North America, Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East & North Africa, Far East Asia, Southeast Asia), on the basis of their application form. They receive coaching from experienced business people to move to the next round.

Round 2
The finalists are invited to the final round of the competition which includes submitting a detailed business plan and presenting their projects in front of the Jury during the Cartier Awards Week. Based on the quality of the plan and the persuasiveness of the verbal presentation, one laureate for each of the seven regions is selected. The announcement of the laureates takes place during the Awards Ceremony in April/May 2019.

Related link: www.cartierwomensinitiative.com