Women entrepreneurs in Cyprus are being encouraged to take advantage of three open calls offering financial support, mentorship and international networking opportunities.
The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, acting as coordinator of the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) Cyprus, announced this week that the three initiatives aim to strengthen women-led startups and businesses by providing non-dilutive funding, coaching and access to global innovation ecosystems.
“These opportunities provide significant funding, support, and networking possibilities for women-led startups and businesses,” the chamber said.
The first initiative is the fourth call of the Women TechEU programme, which targets early-stage, women-led deep tech startups across the European Union and Horizon Europe-associated countries. Its deadline is August 4, 2025.
Each selected startup will receive a non-dilutive grant of €75,000 to support early innovation activities, including the development of business models, market analysis, intellectual property strategies and plans for scaling.
Additionally, participants will join a six-month business development coaching and mentoring programme provided under the European Innovation Council’s Business Acceleration Services.
This includes access to a broad network of investors, corporate partners and innovation specialists.
The second call is for the Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards, a global entrepreneurship programme launched in 2006 that supports women-led and women-owned businesses with strong social or environmental missions. The application deadline is June 24, 2025.
First-place winners will receive an equity-free grant of $100,000, while second and third-place winners will receive $60,000 and $30,000 respectively.
Awardees will also join a one-year fellowship that includes executive coaching, training, and peer learning opportunities.
Participants gain international visibility and access to a global network of entrepreneurs and investors.
Eligible applicants must be founders or co-founders holding key leadership positions in businesses that are between one and six years old and already generating revenue.
The businesses must address at least one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and applicants must demonstrate a good command of English and full commitment to the programme.
The third initiative is the Open Horizons programme, which will run three calls between 2025 and 2027.
The chamber said that the first deadline is set for August 21, 2025.
The programme targets women-led deep tech and digital startups and offers up to €55,000 in equity-free funding.
Participants will have the chance to co-create pilot projects with leading European corporations and scale their solutions with real-world industry backing.
Startups will also benefit from expert support in areas such as investment readiness, corporate collaboration and growth strategies.
They will also gain entry into an exclusive network of investors, corporate leaders and innovation pioneers.
“We encourage all eligible women entrepreneurs to apply for these opportunities and take advantage of the support and resources available,” EEN Cyprus said.
More information is available on the websites een.ec.europa.eu and eencyprus.org.cy.
