The Finalists and Laureates of the Cartier Women's Initiative Awards are chosen by an independent and voluntary Jury who evaluates the projects based on criteria of creativity, sustainability and social impact.

The five jury panels - Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and North America - are made up of men and women from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines. They are chosen on the basis of their entrepreneurial experience, their business achievements and their commitment to the support of women entrepreneurs. The Jury's involvement is long-term and voluntary.

Evaluation Criteria

The projects are evaluated by the Jury in accordance with fixed criteria including but not limited to:
- Creativity: The degree of innovation shown by the overall business concept
- Sustainability: Financial impact of the business, indicating chances of long-term success
- Impact: Effect on society of the business, in terms of jobs created or its effect on the immediate or broader environment.
- Overall quality and clarity of the material presented

Evaluation Process

Phase 1: Selection of the 15 Finalists
Each regional Jury panel selects their top three projects (fifteen worldwide) based on the information provided in the application form. The selected Finalists are announced in June on this website. They receive coaching to prepare for the second round.

Phase 2: Selection of the 5 Laureates
The Finalists detailed plans are examined and graded by the Jury before the deliberation meeting in Deauville. At the deliberation meeting, the Finalists present their projects verbally. Based on the quality of the business plans and the presentations, the Jury selects the five international winners of the competition.

The Awards Ceremony is held each year in October in Deauville, at the Annual Global Meeting of the Women's Forum.

JURY PROFILES