The Inclusive Action Awards 2025 is a special program that supports small businesses that help women grow in business.
It is organized by the Inclusive Action Hub and supported by the Visa Foundation. This award is for businesses that:
- Hire more women
- Create products or services that help women
- Support women entrepreneurs
Winning businesses will get a USD 5,000 cash prize and other benefits like global recognition and media exposure.
Award Tracks and Application Deadlines
- Global Award: This track is open to SMEs based in low- and middle-income countries (excluding Mexico) that are creating positive impacts for women. The application deadline for the Global Award is March 29, 2025.
- Mexico Award: Specifically tailored for SMEs operating in Mexico, this track seeks businesses that are fostering gender inclusion within the country. The application deadline for the Mexico Award is April 10, 2025.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Inclusive Action Awards 2025, applicants must:
- Enterprise Size: Be a small or medium enterprise with fewer than 250 employees.
- Location: Operate in a low- or middle-income country.
- Business Stage: Be a for-profit or non-profit enterprise at any stage of business development, from startup to maturity.
- Gender-Inclusive Practices: Demonstrate strong gender-inclusive business practices, such as policies supporting women employees, women-focused products or services, and inclusive supply chain practices.
Benefits of Participation
Winners of the Inclusive Action Awards 2025 will receive:
- Cash Prize: A $5,000 USD grant to further their gender-inclusive initiatives
- Global Recognition: International visibility, boosting their credibility and market positioning.
- Media Exposure: Increased media visibility to showcase their impact and inspire others.
Application Process
Interested SMEs should follow these steps to apply:
- Access the Application Portal: Visit the Inclusive Action Awards application portal to begin the application process.
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather necessary documentation that demonstrates your organization’s commitment to gender inclusion.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill out the online application form, which includes multiple-choice and short-answer questions. The form is available from January 29 to March 29, 2025, for the Global Award, and until April 10, 2025, for the Mexico Award.
- Review and Submit: Carefully review all information before submitting your application to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Gender-Inclusive Intentionality: Integration of gender inclusion into the organization’s mission and operations.
- Innovation and Approach: Creativity and effectiveness of gender inclusion initiatives.
- Results & Impact: Tangible outcomes for women within the organization and community.
- Sustainability & Scalability: Plans to sustain and expand gender-inclusive practices.
- Storytelling: Clarity and resonance of the organization’s gender inclusion journey
For more details and the application, click here
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