Cartier has announced their selection of finalists for their 2020 Cartier Women’s Initiative, which provides 21 women with the chance to receive major financial backing in their new social-impact business ventures. Since 2006, the program has bolstered more than 200 companies led by female entrepreneurs and created over 7,000 jobs in doing so.
The seven winners, one from each region of the world, will receive $100,000 worth of funding towards their businesses; the remaining 14 will receive $30,000, for a total reaching more than $1 million in grants. To qualify, all finalists must meet the criteria: being in the initial phase of operations (under five years); creating revenue for at least one year; and meeting at least one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In addition to financial funding, the finalists also receive one-on-one strategy coaching and support from INSEAD Business School.
The three finalists from North America are Sarah Tuneberg, Stephanie Benedetto and Kelly Nguyen.
Tuneberg’s business, Geospiza, is an information system that evaluates risk for climate-exposed organizations and visualization tools to assist in decision-making strategies. The idea for the company stemmed from her 15 years working as an emergency manager and the lack of clear software during Hurricane Sandy.
Benedetto’s Queen of Raw is an unused fabric marketplace that connects businesses like factories, mills and retailers with buyers, in hopes to cut down on fashion production waste. She modeled her business from her great grandfather’s, an Austrian immigrant who started a textile business that included repurposing fabric from discarded garments.
Nguyen started IDLogiq to help medical patients manage and verify medications in efforts to eradicate the counterfeit drug market. Combining her background in pharmaceuticals with a drive to create a democratic, easy-to-use consumer product, she hopes to arm users with the information to handle their medications properly.
The winners will be announced in June. You can find information on all the finalists at cartierwomensinitiative.com.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORY
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Julia Gall is the former Style Director at Marie Claire, covering all things fashion, as well as styling tips, wardrobe upkeep and sustainability. Check her out at @juliasgall.
-
Prince William Likely Feels "Guilty" for Not "Protecting" Princess Kate Amid Royal Drama, Expert Claims
Jennie Bond says William wants to avoid repeating history.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
I Work Out 5 Days a Week—These Are the Brands I Wear on Repeat
Sponsor Content Created With Nordstrom
By Emma Walsh Published
-
Princess Kate Will Be "Ready to Talk" About Her Absence When She Gets Back to Work, Source Claims
The Palace has released very few details about her illness and recovery.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Meet the Designers Keeping the Art of Craftsmanship Alive
In today's murky fashion landscape of discourse and 'cores, to be a revolutionary is to tune out the chatter and focus on your design. Here, a vanguard group of designers who prioritize their skills above all else.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Exclusive: Rothy’s Designs Its First Wedge Sandal
The footwear brand just released its first wedge sandal.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Sherri McMullen Is the Oakland Boutique Owner Redefining Retail
From mentoring emerging brands to spotting the next big designer, we chat with the entrepreneur about everything from TikTok trends to the current state of the industry.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Colorful Cowboys and Celebs Galore: Pharrell William's Latest for Louis Vuitton Men's
A special shoutout goes to Williams' revamped Speedy bags.
By India Roby Published
-
This Under-the-Radar Jacket on Amazon Is My Newest Winter Obsession
And, no, it's not the "Amazon coat."
By Jaimie Potters Published
-
The Best Black T-Shirts to Buy In Bulk
Done right, the black tee is the most versatile item in your wardrobe.
By Taylor Ayers Published
-
30 Cozy and Covetable Blanket Scarves to Wrap Up In
It’s as cozy as can be.
By Sara Holzman Published
-
11 Graphic T-Shirts From Amazon You'd Actually Wear
Cheeky, not cheesy.
By Marina Liao Published