Cartier Women's Initiative Canada
International entrepreneurship program supporting Canadian women founders of impact-driven businesses with up to $100,000 in grant funding, executive coaching from INSEAD, year-long fellowship, and global networking. Open to for-profit businesses addressing UN Sustainable Development Goals. Application deadline: June 24, 2026.
🚀 Cartier Women's Initiative 2026-2027 Highlights
Empowering Women Impact Entrepreneurs Since 2006
The Cartier Women's Initiative is an annual international entrepreneurship program founded by Cartier in 2006 to drive change by empowering women impact entrepreneurs. Open to women-run and women-owned businesses from any country addressing social and environmental challenges aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Canadian entrepreneurs compete in the North America region alongside United States applicants.
Cartier Women's Initiative Award Programs
Award Structure
Fellowship Benefits
Coaching: Tailored mentoring and executive coaching
Education: INSEAD business school courses
Visibility: Global media exposure and recognition
Network: Global fellows community connections
📋 North America Region Details:
- • Coverage: Canada, United States, Mexico
- • Duration: January-December 2027 fellowship
- • In-Person: 1 week event April/May 2027
- • Time Commitment: 1-3 hours/week
- • Impact Reporting: 3 years post-fellowship
- • Filming: On-site business documentation
Deep Tech Ventures
• Deep tech businesses based on pioneering technology
• Complex engineering processes or scientific discoveries
• Not just disruptive business models
• Same fellowship benefits as Regional Awards
Ideal Candidates
Technology: Pioneering new technology development
Scientific: Based on scientific discoveries
Engineering: Complex engineering innovations
Impact: Addresses UN SDGs through deep tech
Eligibility Requirements for Canadian Entrepreneurs
Application Process & Timeline
Create account on application platform and start form
Submit detailed business and impact information in English
June 24, 2026 at 2:00 PM CEST (400MB/file, 800MB total)
Notification by December 2026, fellowship starts January 2027
📅 Key Application Details
- • Platform: Online applications only (no mail/email)
- • Language: English only, B2 proficiency required
- • One Application: One business, one award category only
- • Prior Applicants: Can reapply if not selected previously
- • Former Fellows: Ineligible for future applications
- • Auto-Save: Use "Save Draft" feature regularly
UN Sustainable Development Goals Impact
17 UN Sustainable Development Goals
All applicants must demonstrate how their business contributes to at least one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals - a universal call to tackle social, economic, and environmental challenges by 2030.
Improving Lives:
- • No Poverty
- • Zero Hunger
- • Good Health & Well-Being
- • Quality Education
- • Gender Equality
Preserving the Planet:
- • Clean Water & Sanitation
- • Affordable & Clean Energy
- • Climate Action
- • Life Below Water
- • Life on Land
Creating Opportunities:
- • Decent Work & Economic Growth
- • Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure
- • Reduced Inequalities
- • Sustainable Cities & Communities
- • Responsible Consumption
Application Success Strategies
Ready to Apply for Cartier Women's Initiative?
Get our complete application guide with UN SDG alignment tools and impact articulation frameworks, or work with our impact entrepreneurship specialists for expert application support.
Free Application Guide
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