The Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards, created in 2006, are a joint partnership project initiated by Cartier, the Women’s Forum, McKinsey & Company and INSEAD business school to encourage women entrepreneurs.
Six Laureates, one from each continent (Asia & Pacific, Europe, Latin America, Middle East and North Africa, North America, Sub-saharan Africa) are honoured annually for the creativity, financial sustainability and social impact of their start-up businesses.
The prize includes a place on an INSEAD Executive Programme, a US$100,000 Grant (money), international media exposure and networking and coaching opportunities.
In 2006, Cartier supported the very first edition of the Women's Forum for the Economy and Society, an international gathering designed to promote women’s vision on issues of global relevance.
In 2006, Cartier and the Women’s Forum joined forces with McKinsey & Company and INSEAD business school to create the Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards that aim to support female entrepreneurs through mentoring, funding, networking opportunities and media visibility.
The very first Laureates were awarded in 2007. Since the creation of the Award, 32 entrepreneurs have received the Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards.