Women entrepreneurs play a vital role in driving innovation and economic growth around the world.
However, many face challenges when it comes to securing scholarships for women entrepreneurs and support for their business ventures.
Fortunately, there are numerous international scholarships designed specifically to empower women in business.
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International Scholarships for Women Entrepreneurs
These provide financial aid, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
Also helping to provide scholarships for women entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into successful enterprises.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 international scholarships available for women entrepreneurs, offering them the tools they need to grow and succeed in the business world.
1. Women in Innovation Awards (WIN) – Europe
The Women in Innovation Awards, provided by the European Commission, is designed to support women who are driving innovation and entrepreneurship.
This award offers financial support, mentoring, and networking opportunities to women entrepreneurs in the European Union.
- Benefits: Up to €100,000 in grant funding
- Eligibility: Open to women innovators and entrepreneurs in the EU or Horizon 2020-associated countries.
2. Cartier Women’s Initiative – Global
The Cartier Women’s Initiative is a global program aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs who are leading businesses with a social impact.
The program provides grants, mentoring, and exposure on a global platform.
- Benefits: Up to $100,000 in prize money
- Eligibility: Open to women-run, for-profit businesses from any country, with a focus on social impact.
3. Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Program – Global
The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women initiative provides business education, mentorship, and networking opportunities for women entrepreneurs around the world.
The program is designed to help women grow their businesses and develop leadership skills.
- Benefits: Free online courses and mentorship
- Eligibility: Open to women entrepreneurs from any country.
4. The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Scholarship – Canada
Offered by the Canadian government, this scholarship supports women entrepreneurs, particularly those in innovation-driven businesses, by providing financial assistance and mentorship through Canadian educational institutions.
- Benefits: Varies by institution
- Eligibility: Available to international students, especially women, pursuing entrepreneurial ventures in Canada.
5. TechWomen – Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia
TechWomen is an initiative by the U.S. Department of State that brings emerging women leaders in STEM and entrepreneurship from the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia to the United States for mentoring and professional development.
- Benefits: Fully-funded mentorship program in the U.S.
- Eligibility: Open to women from eligible countries in the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia with a background in STEM.
6. Women Entrepreneur Finance Initiative (We-Fi) – Global
We-Fi is a global initiative hosted by the World Bank to provide financial assistance, mentoring, and networking opportunities to women entrepreneurs in developing countries.
This initiative supports business owners in overcoming financial barriers to grow their businesses.
- Benefits: Grants and funding up to $50 million
- Eligibility: Open to women entrepreneurs in developing countries, with a focus on high-impact businesses.
7. The Anzisha Prize for Young African Entrepreneurs – Africa
The Anzisha Prize is awarded to young African entrepreneurs, including women, who have founded successful businesses.
It offers financial support, mentorship, and access to a network of business leaders.
- Benefits: Up to $100,000 in prize money and business support
- Eligibility: Open to young women entrepreneurs under the age of 22 from African countries.
8. Cherie Blair Foundation for Women – Global
The Cherie Blair Foundation for Women provides mentorship, training, and financial support to women entrepreneurs globally, particularly in developing countries.
Their programs aim to help women build sustainable businesses.
- Benefits: Business mentoring, financial training, and development opportunities
- Eligibility: Open to women entrepreneurs from low- and middle-income countries.
9. AAUW International Fellowships – Global
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers international fellowships to women, including entrepreneurs, who wish to pursue advanced studies and business development opportunities in the U.S.
The program supports academic work that promotes the professional growth of women leaders by offering scholarships for women entrepreneurs
- Benefits: Grants of up to $30,000 for study in the U.S.
- Eligibility: Open to women from any country (outside the U.S.) pursuing academic and entrepreneurial studies.
10. Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future – STEM Entrepreneurs
This program is aimed at women in STEM fields who are entrepreneurs or pursuing academic careers in engineering and technology.
The foundation offers scholarships for women entrepreneurs from developing countries who are contributing to technological innovation.
- Benefits: Up to $50,000 per year for research and study
- Eligibility: Open to women from developing countries pursuing careers in STEM and entrepreneurship.
Conclusion
These top 10 scholarships for women entrepreneurs provide invaluable support, not only through financial assistance but also through mentoring, networking, and development opportunities.
Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur looking for seed funding or a professional seeking to expand your knowledge and network, these scholarships can help turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality.