The WE Empower Challenge is a global business competition for women entrepreneurs and social entrepreneurs who are advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and inspiring entire communities to create the world we want by 2030.
Five awardees from around the world are selected to receive an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City, NY during the UN Global Goals week (September 18-27, 2020) to engage in high profile events with UN officials and to participate in a series of tailored trainings by leading and supporting partners.
How to Apply
Applications open 4 March 2020. Apply by 15 April 2020.
Complete your application (you may save your progress)
Attach your 2-minute video
Submit your entry
Applicants are required to complete and submit an online application, which includes a two-minute video. The online application process may take up to one hour to complete.
Any incomplete applications, or any applications received after 15 April 2020 will not be considered. Applications submitted without the two-minute video will not be considered.
Application Requirements
The WE Empower Challenge is a global business competition for women entrepreneurs and social entrepreneurs who are advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals and inspiring entire communities to create the world we want by 2030.
Eligibility
To be eligible to enter this competition, applicants must meet all of the following criteria. Finalists will be required to provide evidence of sales (i.e. tax returns and/or audited financial records).
I am a woman entrepreneur with lead decision making ability in a business or organization
My business/organization has been in operation for more than three years
I employ at least three full time staff (or full time equivalent)
My business/organization generates at least $100,000 USD in annual sales or revenue
I am proficient in spoken and written English
I am at least 21 years old
I am available to travel to NYC between 18 September – 27 September 2020
Considerations
Applicants will be assessed based on a variety of factors, including the following considerations.
Ability to commit to the entire week of in-person program – no exceptions Willingness to help shape the community dialogue about women’s advancement and the SDG’s in their region, and wield the influence necessary to do so. Must be able to secure a US visa.
Applicants with more than one business or organization, please complete the application regarding the business/organization THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO FOCUS ON during this Global Challenge opportunity, if you are selected to participate in the program.
What to Expect
Applicants must answer basic identifying information about themselves, their business, and their primary country of business. -Applicants must identify which world region they are located in from the following regions:
Europe and North America
Middle East and North Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa
Asia-Pacific
Latin America and Caribbean
The application requires answers about how your work relates to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and your vision for a sustainable future.
The application asks you how you will help foster gender equality through your work.
Applicants will be asked to answer several security questions, provide social media profile information (if applicable), and agree to the terms and conditions within the contest entry form.
Finally, applicants must submit a two-minute video using the following guidelines.
Video Specifications
Please submit a short video of yourself (maximum of two minutes) providing the information and answering the questions listed below, in English. A video submission is a required part of the competition.
In designing your response, please remember that less attention is paid to the quality of your video and more attention is given to the quality of your response. It is acceptable, if you wish, to make your short video using a smartphone.
What to answer in your video
State your full name (first name and family name)
State the name of your organization and your job title
State the name of the country your business is located
What is the mission of your organization?
What do you hope to achieve if you are selected to participate as a finalist in this competition?
What is the impact of your activities on the UN SDGs?
How to submit your video
Video attachments may be hosted on a video site such as YouTube or Vimeo but may also upload a video file within the application platform
File size should not exceed 20 MB
Preferred file types are .MP4, .MOV, and .WMV
Please do not upload any further written material with your video, as the judges will not consider these. The written component of your entry should be fully explained within the provided form fields.
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