The Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards / International Business Plan Competition

The Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards- An international business plan competition

The Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards are an international business plan competition for women created in 2006 by Cartier and the Women’s Forum with the support of the consulting firm McKinsey & Company and INSEAD business school. Five female entrepreneurs, one per continent, are awarded annually. Each of them receive coaching support for a full year, a US$ 20 000 grant and an exclusive Trophy designed by Cartier. The competition comprises two rounds: the selection of the Finalists in June based on their short business plans and the selection of the Laureates in October based on their detailed business plans.

Eligibility:

Your project must be:

-A for-profit business

-A completely new concept as opposed to a buy-back or a franchise

-In the initial phase: the project has not been launched yet or is no older than three years

-The main leadership position must be filled by a woman. She should have a good command of English

-All entrants must be aged 18 or the age of legal majority in their respective countries or states of citizenship.

Apply Here: http://www.cartierwomensinitiative.com/site/register

Application deadline: 13^th Feb 09

Website: http://www.cartierwomensinitiative.com

The Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards

33 (0) 1 58 18 10 28

33 rue Boissy d’Anglas,

75008 PARIS

FRANCE

Prize:

Studies show that access to networks and the support of coaches and mentors are critical to the success of small businesses. Therefore, the Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards offer not only financial help but also unique coaching for the top candidates of the competition during the months preceeding the Finals.These fifteen Finalists are also invited to attend the Awards Ceremony held at the Annual Global Meeting of the Women’s Forum in Deauville, France, which gathers over 1000 participants from 60 countries. After the Finals, the five international Laureates then receive additional mentoring during one year with Cartier, McKinsey and INSEAD consultants as well as US $ 20 000 to fund their projects and a unique trophy designed by Cartier. By participating in the contest candidates have the opportunity of gaining media exposure.