The BRICS Women’s Business Alliance is accepting applications for the 2026 cohort of its Startups Contest. Specifically, this cross-border entrepreneurship program helps women-led businesses scale their impact through international trade exposure. Consequently, selected founders work directly with international trade delegates to deploy their products across the BRICS member nations.
Program Overview
This is an international trade and venture scaling program. Therefore, it is ideal for female founders who need cross-border market access to serve global consumers. By joining, you get access to the BRICS trade ecosystem and high-level diplomatic networking.
Key Benefits
Participants receive high-value commercial and networking support. Specifically, the benefits include:
- Market Access: Direct pathways and strategic guidance for expanding into massive economies like Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
- Mentorship: Coaching from highly successful businesswomen and trade experts within the BRICS alliance.
- Visibility: Promotion across official BRICS economic platforms and summits.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, an applicant must be a female startup founder. Crucially, you must have a business legally registered in one of the BRICS member or newly acceding countries.
- Leadership: The company must be founded, co-founded, or majority-led by women.
- Innovation: Must possess a unique product or service with strong export potential.
- Stage: Open to early and growth-stage companies with existing market traction.
Application Process
- Deadline: May 15, 2026.
- Submission: Apply via the BRICS WBA official contest portal.
- Requirements: Business plan, financial overview, and international expansion strategy.
