The Bayer Foundation Women Entrepreneurs Award is a 6-month accelerator for women founders building proven solutions in health and food security.

They’re selecting 15 ventures across Asia, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East to strengthen fundamentals and build investor readiness.

ELIGIBILITY:

You are eligible if you:

Are a woman founder, co-founder, or senior leader with decision-making power in an operating venture beyond the idea stage

Build in health or food security in Asia, Latin America, Africa, and/or the Middle East with measurable impact for low- and middle-income communities

Have traction and are ready to scale, including annual revenue of up to USD 1,000,000, or strong evidence of growing revenue and demand if you are pre-break-even

Meet the legal and incorporation requirements, including operating as a social enterprise (a for-profit with a social or environmental mission)

Non-profits may apply if they have a clear pathway and intent to launch or convert to a for-profit entity within 12–24 months. Your organisation must be incorporated on or before 1 January 2025.

They are looking for ventures that are beyond the idea stage and already operating.

This includes:

Start-up stage (a solution with a working model and early traction)

Growth stage (a venture building repeatable operations and demand)

Scaling stage (expanding into new markets or significantly increasing reach)

Note: Idea-stage concepts are not eligible.

Nonprofits can apply if they have a clear pathway and alignment to launch a for-profit entity within 12–24 months and meet all other eligibility requirements. Registered charities and sole traders are not eligible.

BENEFIT:

This global accelerator combines funding, tailored support, and visibility to help you grow with clarity and credibility. As one of 15 awardees, you’ll receive:

Accelerator Program: Access six months of tailored support to strengthen your business fundamentals, sharpen your financials and impact metrics, and prepare for investor-facing moments.

Sponsored Trip: Travel to Amsterdam (26-30 October 2026) for Awardee Days and the Award Ceremony to pitch your venture, connect with your cohort, and celebrate your achievements.

€25,000 Cash Prize: Receive €25,000 in non-dilutive funding to grow your business, expand your reach, and invest in what comes next with confidence.

Visibility and Recognition: Share your work on a global stage through storytelling, media exposure, and video content that strengthens your credibility and reach.

Alumni Community: Join the Bayer Foundation women-led alumni movement for peer support, shared visibility, and opportunities to collaborate beyond the program.

Join Impact Hub Network: Tap into Impact Hub’s global network and expertise for local ecosystem support, founder connections, and opportunities that help you scale across markets.