Frequently asked questions
ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Can I send my application by courier?
No, only online applications submitted through the website and received in the official format are accepted.
My business plan covers all the application form questions. Can I send you my business plan instead?
No, only our official online format is accepted.
Will I get a confirmation of receipt for my application?
Yes, the confirmation that your application has been successfully sent to us will be automatically generated when you click on the final validation button at the end of the Application Form. However, you will not receive a confirmation by email.
If you receive an error report upon submission, we suggest you write to us directly to inquire. Your queries are answered within two days.
I started filling in the form but when clicking on the ‘SUBMIT’ button, my web-page expired. What can I do?
Once you have identified yourself using your email and password, your session is active for 4 hours. If the problem occurred within this timeframe, it may be caused by your navigator or the quality of your internet connection. It is important that your navigator accepts cookies. To avoid the expiration of your form, we recommend that you read the application questions carefully before registering. Prepare and save the answers on a separate document so as to copy and paste them in the form upon registration. Click here to see the APPLICATION FORM QUESTIONS.
I have problems uploading files and attachments to my form. These files do not show in the final preview page. What can I do?
To upload heavy files in the appendix section, you must submit them one by one or reduce the definition of the attachments. Your attachments should not exceed the total weight of 32 Mo. You cannot send the attachments to us by email.
Can I send you some samples of my product?
No, we do not accept any samples of your product at the initial application phase. You may include photos only. If you are selected as a Finalist, you will have the opportunity to show your products.
Can I submit my application in another language than English?
No, English is the only language accepted as it is the international language of business. Our juries and our coaches are English-speakers. To take full advantage of the resources we have to offer, you must have a good command of both verbal and written English.
The questions on the application form do not cover all aspects of my business. Can I add further information?
Yes, you may add the information you find relevant and which is not covered by our application form in the "Free Page" section of the form.
In the form, it says that "all fields are mandatory" but some do no apply to my case. What can I do?
In certain cases it may be that some fields are not applicable to all aspects of your business project. If this is the case, write "NA" for Not Applicable.
I have submitted my project already but I would like to make some changes or add new information. Is that possible?
You should inform us of changes in your project which have a direct impact on its eligibility for the Cartier Women's Initiative Awards. You may also bring updates to your personal information and those of your team members. Once your application has been submitted, no other changes will be taken into account.
I have two projects. Can I submit both of them?
No, candidates may submit only one project to the Cartier Women's Initiative Awards.
What is the deadline for applications ?
The deadline for submitting your project to the 2008 Cartier Women's Initiative Awards has been extended to Monday February 18, 2008, 23:59 (Paris time: GMT + 1).
ABOUT THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
What is meant by initial phase?
"Initial phase" means your project may be in the pre-launch or start-up phase:
1. You have a mature business idea, a well-thought out plan backed by serious research but your business has not been registered yet, and has not started operating.
2. Your business has started operating but is still in the early stages of its development (less than 4 years of activity). This criterion will be assessed according to the level of advancement of your project as described in your application form.
I am not the sole founder of my company and have a business partner: can I apply?
We accept business projects that are the result of team work. However, the submitted project can be represented by a woman only. She must be the main project leader (ie she must hold the main leadership position and own a significant share of it) as well as the lead entrant.
In cases where a group project is selected, this project leader will represent the team during the activities organized by the Cartier Women's Initiative Awards, in particular at the Awards ceremony.
My project is not the creation of a business but an entrepreneurial initiative undertaken within a corporation. Can I apply?
No, we accept only independent initial phase businesses which are developed solely by the entrants applying to the Awards.
I want to set up the subsidiary or dealership of an existing institution or company. Can I apply?
No, your project must be an original business creation, wholly conceived of by the team; a completely new concept, meaning it cannot be a buy-back, off-shoot, or a subsidiary of an existing concept.
I have no team members at this point. Can I apply?
Yes, you may apply to the Cartier Women's Initiative Awards as an individual.
In the application form, write "NA" in the fields related to the team members.
I am a woman but my business partner / team members are men. Can I apply?
Yes, you may apply as long as you hold the main leadership position, either in the capacity of Founder, Director, General Manager, or Project leader. If your company is already registered, you must be the main shareholder, CEO, or Chairman.
However, if you are the only woman in the team and your role in the venture is limited; your project will not be eligible for the Cartier Women's Initiative Awards.
OTHER QUESTIONS
My project was not selected. Why?
We do not disclose the motivations reasons why a project is rejected. The decision of the Jury is considered definitive and irrevocable. In some rare cases, upon request from our Juries, we may provide feedback to specific candidates.
How many candidates have applied this year?
We will disclose the number of applications for 2008 mid-February following the end of the application period. We do not give out any information during the application period. For our launch year in 2007, we received close to 400 applications from around the world.
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