Cartier Women's Initiative Africa awards $30,000–$100,000 to women-led for-profit businesses at growth stage with environmental or social impact, plus 12 months of coaching, training and network access. You must be running an operating SME, not in the idea stage.
The Cartier Women's Initiative is a global awards programme that champions women entrepreneurs running impactful and innovative businesses, with a dedicated Africa regional track. Each regional winner receives $100,000 in grant funding, and runners-up receive $30,000, plus coaching, media exposure, and access to the Cartier alumni network. The programme targets women-led for-profit businesses at the growth stage that demonstrate environmental or social impact.
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Applications are reviewed by a jury panel against criteria including business viability, impact potential, founder capability and market fit. Shortlisted founders typically attend an interview or pitch session. Regional winners receive ₦100,000 (Africa track), runners-up ₦30,000. Awarded fellows then enter a 12-month fellowship programme with structured training, 1:1 coaching and peer learning.
What reviewers look for
Typically not. The programme targets growth-stage SMEs with proven market fit and revenue, not early-stage startups. If your business is under a year old, wait 6–12 months and reapply once you have customer data.
You can apply as a sole founder. The criterion is that you, as a woman, must have majority control of the business. Co-founders are fine provided you lead the business.
You are accepted into a 12-month fellowship. The INSEAD 3-day programme is a core element, along with 1:1 coaching, leadership communication training and customised modules on finance, fundraising or operations based on your needs. All fellows participate.
The listing does not state a specific closing date. Contact Cartier directly or check the Africa regional award page to confirm whether applications are rolling or have set windows. Typically, global awards like this run annual cycles.
Only if you hold majority ownership and control. The programme is for women-led businesses; if ownership is 50:50 or more male, you will not meet the eligibility rule.
Guide written from the official programme page on 17 October 2026. Funders change their rules, so confirm the details on the official page before you apply.
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