InspireHer Contest 2025 – Transforming Financial Access and Entrepreneurship in the MENA Region
The InspireHer Contest is an initiative led by the Union of Arab Banks (UAB) in partnership with the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), aiming to empower women entrepreneurs by enhancing access to finance and promoting inclusive entrepreneurship across the MENA region.
🔍 Why Participate?
Women entrepreneurs will have the chance to:
-
Win financial awards to support their businesses.
-
Receive business development support from UNIDO.
-
Join the prestigious UfM Women Business Forum in Palermo, Italy (16–17 July 2025).
-
Gain international visibility through Revue UAB and UfM platforms.
-
Join a powerful network of peers, mentors, financial institutions, and policymakers.
🏆 Contest Categories & Awards
🔹 New Venture Category
For women-led MSMEs operating for 0–2 years
-
🥇 1st Prize: $3,000
-
🥈 2nd Prize: $2,000
-
🥉 3rd Prize: $1,500
🔹 Established Business Category
For MSMEs operating for 1–3 years
-
🥇 1st Prize: $3,000
-
🥈 2nd Prize: $2,000
-
🥉 3rd Prize: $1,500
⭐ Women Entrepreneur Award 2025
A special $2,000 grant for one outstanding woman entrepreneur making a significant impact on financial inclusion and women’s empowerment.
📚 Capacity Building Opportunities
Provided by UNIDO for all categories:
-
Workshops on pitching, innovation, and business strategy.
-
Six-month tailored mentorship and business counselling.
-
Access to the World Entrepreneurs Investment Forum (WEIF 2026).
📢 Eligibility
Women entrepreneurs from:
Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Palestine, Mauritania, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, and Libya.
You must:
-
Be a founder/CEO of an MSME or present a business proposal focused on financial inclusion or women’s empowerment.
-
Submit all documents in English
🗓️ Timeline
-
📣 Call for Applications: 24 March 2025
-
📝 Submission Deadline: 24 April 2025
-
✅ Finalists Announced: June 2025
-
🎉 Awards Ceremony: 16–17 July 2025, Palermo, Italy
🔗 For more details: Read the full guidelines – PDF
📥 Submit your application by email
