GRANT · HOW TO WIN THIS
Up to $100K, awarded annually to selected fellows
Runs annually; the 2026 fellows were announced March 26, 2026. Check cartierwomensinitiative.com for the next application cycle.
FUNDING TYPE
Pitch Competition
CAN YOU GET THIS?
YOUR REAL ODDS
30 fellows are selected globally each year across nine regions and one thematic award.
Since 2006, only 330 entrepreneurs across 66 countries have been supported — roughly 16–17 per year historically, now scaled to 30. Competition is global and intense; this is a prestigious, well-known program.
WHAT IT TAKES
Review eligibility and award tracks (regional vs. Science & Technology thematic) — 1–2 hours
Prepare application materials showing impact model, business traction, and founder credentials — 1–3 weeks
Submit application during the open call window — 1–2 hours
WORTH KNOWING
82% of recent fellows report concrete business outcomes attributed to the program — meaning the fellowship, community, and network are as valuable as the funding itself. Factor that into whether to invest time applying.
MORE LIKE THIS
TechRise Chicago Grants
$25,000–$50,000 non-dilutive, awarded per competition event.
Chicagoland early-stage founders can apply on a rolling basis to pitch for $25K–$50K in non-dilutive capital.
Athene Black & Brown Pitch Competition
Up to $12,000 for the top winner (varies by year); finalists receive $1,000. Awarded annually.
Black and Brown founders of any stage or industry can compete for up to $12,000 at this annual Iowa-based pitch competition.
Enthuse Foundation’s 8th Annual Pitch...
$15,000 cash grand prize (plus $120,000+ in-kind package); awarded once per year.
Women-founded food, beverage, or CPG startups based in the US with under $750K revenue can apply.
$50B+ in available capital across grants, VC funds, CDFIs, and accelerators. Filter by your industry, stage, and region, and see everything you qualify for.
Explore the funding database →
$19/month · cancel anytime