Visa has launched the Visa Everywhere Initiative: Women’s Global Edition, a competition offering $100,000 prizes to startups led by women addressing financial technology and social impact challenges. The program coincides with the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019, featuring global finals in Paris on June 7, 2019.
The initiative builds on Visa’s regional efforts since 2015, which have supported over 70 startups across 75 countries through funding, mentorship, and industry connections. This marks the first global iteration focused specifically on women-led ventures, aiming to highlight underrepresented business leaders and foster economic growth.
Eligible startups must have at least one female founder and submit solutions tackling FinTech innovation or social impact goals. Challenges include transforming payment systems and empowering women entrepreneurs to drive sustainable economic development.
Key deadlines include March 6, 2019, for submissions, April 14, 2019, for applications, and regional finalist selections in May 2019. Lynne Biggar, Visa’s Chief Marketing and Communication Officer, emphasized the program’s role in advancing women’s entrepreneurship, citing data showing 163 million women launched businesses globally in five years.
