Applications will reopen in late 2017.
Economic growth is inextricably linked to women’s participation in the workforce. In many corners of the globe, women have limited access to opportunities and financial resources to build a life of their own; Shiffon, a luxury jewelry design enterprise, combines business and social purpose to break this cycle and empower women and girls globally.
What is the competition?
To overcome the challenges women face, Shiffon has launched a startup competition where 5 entrepreneurs will be given the opportunity to kickstart initiatives in their respective countries.
The competition is open to budding entrepreneurs passionate about launching enterprises that are driven to empower women and provide employment opportunities.
What is the prize?
Shiffon is offering five $5,000 prizes and mentorship from leading fashion and tech companies and consultancies to successful applicants. They understand that mentorship in addition to capital is crucial for the success of young businesses.
Who can apply?
Applications are open to One Young World Ambassadors who are in the ideation/early stages of a social venture, or are launching a new subsidiary or offshoot of an existing social enterprise.
Submissions are not only limited to women; men with initiatives whose purpose is to support women’s empowerment are welcome to apply.
Deadline for submissions will be 18 January, 2017. Winners will be announced on a rolling basis. **
About Shiffon
Shiffon was launched by two Harvard University students determined to foster a world where women and girls from around the world are empowered to pursue boundless opportunities. Made with ethically-sourced material, 50% of Shiffon’s proceeds go towards women empowerment; social good is woven into every aspect of the business. Shiffon actively collaborates with partners including United Nations Women and the Startup Girl foundation.
You can follow Shiffon on Instagram at @shiffonco.
Terms and conditions
The Shiffon Foundation, Shiffon's nonprofit arm, will work with the Startup Girl Foundation which will take 2.5% equity in the winning projects to assist in the enterprises' growth. The Startup Girl Foundation is a nonprofit, and any long term success and return on investment of the 2.5% equity will be used directly to fund more entrepreneurs through a seed grant process like this one. We believe in sustainability of nonprofits and hope that the startups and businesses they support will be able to give back once they succeed by supporting the next generation of startups through the 2.5% equity.
**Due to a high volume of applications, One Young World will only contact successful applicants. If you have not heard from One Young World by early April, your application has not been successful.
