The Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards, is now accepting applications for their annual business plan competition for early stage start-ups led by women all across the world. Organized by Cartier in partnership with the Women’s Forum, McKinsey & Company, and INSEAD business school, the competition seeks to identify, support and encourage projects by women entrepreneurs.
Since starting in 2006, more than 100 finalists have been selected and 32 Laureates have been chosen as winners. One Laureate from each region is selected and receives a prize package that includes US $ 20,000 of funding, one year of coaching, networking opportunities and media exposure.
This social entrepreneurship contest aims at supporting creative, financially sustainable and responsible women-led start-ups, in all countries and industries.
The submission deadline this year is March 8, 2013 at 10am CET. If you have an early stage startup with 1-3 years of operating experience, apply today!
Previous Winners from Sub-Saharan Africa:
Rwanda: In 2012, Julienne Ingabire and Elizabeth Scharpf were the Laureates for Sub-Saharan Africa with their Rwandan company, Sustainable Health Enterprises, which produces low-cost and eco-friendly sanitary pads on a franchise model fostering local entrepreneurs.
Kenya: In 2011, Lorna Rutto won with EcoPost, a Kenyan company that manufactures durable fencing posts using plastic waste, an environmentally friendly alternative to timber.
Tanzania: In 2010 27 year old Tanzanian Ann Kihengu won with her company Prian, a distributor of affordable solar-powered lamps and mobile phone chargers in rural Tanzania, through a program to encourage young entrepreneurs.
Nigeria: In 2009, Jife Williams and Adeola Asabia won with MN Environmental Services, a sanitation company that provides showers and toilets that make a difference in Lagos State, Nigeria communities.
Senegal: In 2008, Mama Diene won with BioEssence, a Senegal laboratory promoting the finest African cosmetics and essential oils.
Ivory Coast: In 2007, Lucie Avoaka won with Santa Maria Medical Center a healthcare provider in the underprivileged region of Abobo, Ivory Coast.
The Savvy Madam 