Discover the 2008 Finalists!
 | Fifteen entrepreneurs selected for the Finals of the Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards Fifteen promising female entrepreneurs from around the world were selected by our Jury of business leaders for the Finals of this year’s Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards. |
The candidates were evaluated on the creativity, sustainability and social impact of their projects and will now produce a fully fledged business plan for October with the help of experienced coaches.
The five Laureates – one from each continent - will be announced at the 4th edition of the Women’s Forum Global Meeting in Deauville on October 17 and receive a Trophy designed by Cartier, the unique opportunity of continuing the coaching for a year as well as a US$ 20 000 grant.
“I started my first company when I was 22 so I feel very invested in this competition! It’s extremely difficult for small companies - especially women-led ones – to emerge and to make a name for themselves. By celebrating these initiatives, we also hope to inspire others to build their own entrepreneurial projects,” says Aude Zieseniss de Thuin, Founder and President of the Women’s Forum for the Economy and Society.
“Our Awards are about encouraging the inventors and entrepreneurs who most often remain in the shadows: the women. Ultimately if they succeed, they will create employment and stimulate growth so it is important that they receive all the support they can get: financial help, coaching, networking and media opportunities,” says Bernard Fornas, President and CEO of Cartier international.
MAME DIENE, Karistal, Senegal: A local laboratory promoting the finest African cosmetics and essential oils.
BOSEDE EDWARDS, OT Consulting, Nigeria: Consulting services for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in Nigeria.
LEE-ANNE KASSEL, Kasselot (Pty) Ltd., South Africa: A new maternity bra with patented technology.
CHENDA CHHAY, Your Business Solution, Cambodia: Outsourcing web-based accounting and financial consulting for Cambodian businesses.
RENEE KING, Tamang Timpla Foods Inc., Philippines: A food manufacturing startup that promotes naturally pure and healthy Filipino foods.
WU MAN, Your Kitchen, China: Providing Shanghai commuters with fresh, healthy, organic food.
LAURA CHICUREL, Chicurela, United Kingdom: Luxury leather accessories made with eco-friendly salmon skin leather.
BARBARA NGOUYOMBO, Anoigma, United Kingdom: An online health record service for travellers.
LUCILA TAKJERAD, Meetmyplanet.com, France: An online application that brings together travellers and local communities across the globe.
ISABEL ACEVEDO LOPEZ, Pymelibre, Colombia: consulting company offering information and communication technology for small and medium size enterprises.
PAULINA AVILA, Zava Group, Colombia: Developing a range of healthy, low calorie foods to meet special dietary needs.
CYNTHIA GUY, Instituto de Implantes Cocleares, Panama: Cochlear implants for children and adults with severe to profound hearing loss.
MONA JHAVERI BROWN, Foligo Therapeutics, USA: A biotech company aiming to improve the detection and treatment of ovarian cancer.
LORIN CASSIDY, Motorsports Apparel for Women, USA: A marketing company selling premier apparel for women in motorsports.
ELSBETH VAINO, B.E Innovative Group Inc., Canada: Devising interactive games to help students revise and pass their exams.
Read about the Finalists here!