Helena Rubinstein Launches Second Phase of HELENA POWERS Project
The beauty powerhouse Helena Rubinstein is set to empower female entrepreneurs through the second phase of its groundbreaking project, HELENA POWERS. Starting from July 30, 2026, the company will invite women aged 30 and above to join this practical social entrepreneurship program in collaboration with the general incorporated association Social Innovation Japan.
Background of the Project
Helena Rubinstein, the iconic founder of the eponymous brand, overcame numerous adversities to achieve remarkable success as a true female entrepreneur. Her journey was filled with challenges, yet she persisted with unwavering belief, taking small steps that ultimately led to her monumental success.
Her life and the enduring legacy of beauty she created represent a beacon of success for modern female entrepreneurs. Recognizing the anxieties of today’s women, Helena Rubinstein strives to provide support in the entrepreneurial realm, understanding that women’s unique experiences and viewpoints can transform social issues into viable business solutions.
According to the Japanese government’s “Priority Policy on Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality 2026” announced on June 25, 2026, comprehensive support for female entrepreneurs will be implemented, encouraging the sharing of successful models and the establishment of support networks for women across the country.
To cultivate more female entrepreneurs, it's crucial to create opportunities for women to channel their past experiences and awareness of societal issues into necessary business ideas, even before they identify themselves as entrepreneurs. HELENA POWERS aims to foster women who wish to address social and environmental challenges, helping them build sustainable businesses that deliver lasting value. This program will empower participants to make their own decisions, take action, and continue growing their ventures while challenging social issues.
A Shift in Mindset
Many women often think, “I will start once I’m more confident,” or “I need to solidify my idea first,” causing their aspirations to linger unexpressed. HELENA POWERS encourages participants to embrace action as a pathway to confidence and clarity. With real feedback and reactions guiding them, participants refine their initial business ideas, assess solutions, and adapt their direction through ongoing dialogue and actions.
Program Goals and Features
The mission of this program is to help women rediscover their latent power and social value, empowering them to carve out their future through entrepreneurship and new projects. The program offers inspiration for starting a business as well as essential skills, networking opportunities, and coaching that facilitate continuous growth.
Overview of the Program
- - Duration: From October 3, 2026, to November 21, 2026
- - Format: A hybrid program consisting of 2 in-person sessions and online sessions over 8 weeks
- - Participation Fee: Free (participants will bear transportation costs for in-person sessions)
Program Content
- - Business Concept Development: Participants will organize their experiences and problem awareness while conducting research through interviews to crystallize the direction and overall shape of their business ideas.
- - Pre-session Videos and Workshops: Basics will be covered in preparatory videos, while workshops will focus on applying participants' business ideas and engaging in dialogue and feedback.
- - Interviews and Idea Validation: Participants will interview relevant parties and test drafts or simple services to learn from real-world responses.
- - Group Check-Ins and Community Building: Attendees will share progress, insights, and challenges, receiving questions and feedback from peers and facilitators to learn collectively.
- - Concrete Next Steps: After reflecting on insights gained from interviews and validations, participants will organize their current business ideas and actionable steps following the program and present them.
Recruitment Details
Target audience:
- - Women aged 30 and above residing in Japan as of October 3, 2026
- - Individuals with themes or early-stage ideas addressing social and environmental issues that they wish to develop as a business
- - Those who can participate in discussions, workshops, interviews, and presentations in Japanese
- - Must attend in-person sessions on October 3 and November 21
- - Ideally, participants should be available for all sessions
- - Ability to commit 4 to 10 hours per week outside of sessions for individual work, interviews, validations, and preparation
- - Access to a PC or tablet, along with stable internet for online participation
Number of participants: Approximately 14 to 15
Application period: July 30, 2026, to August 30, 2026, until 23:59
Application method: Visit the dedicated page for HELENA POWERS (https://www.socialinnovationjapan.com/helena-powers-2026) and submit the application form through the “Apply” button.
Contact Information
For inquiries regarding the program, please use the contact form on the dedicated page (https://www.socialinnovationjapan.com/helena-powers-2026).
Value Provided by the Program
1.
Sustainable Social Change: Aiming to create businesses with long-term impact rather than short-term success.
2.
Comprehensive Support System: Providing practical learning opportunities through expert guidance, coaching, and networking.
3.
Skill Development: Learning practical skills essential for entrepreneurship, such as business pitching and branding.
4.
Creating Social Impact: Promoting projects that contribute to society by designing sustainable business models.
5.
Empowering Women: Supporting women in enhancing self-esteem, developing vision, and acting with confidence.
Our Commitment
Our goal is to support aspiring female entrepreneurs to discover their potential and advance boldly, facilitating the launch of businesses or projects that create social impacts and transforming ideas into actionable plans with the help of experts and like-minded individuals.
About Social Innovation Japan
Founded in 2017, Social Innovation Japan is a platform that promotes solving social issues. The organization engages in environmental and climate change initiatives, empowerment programs, and sustainability training for corporations, aiming to create a sustainable future. They have developed Japan's first water supply point search application, “mymizu,” and are actively working on projects promoting a circular economy and community building. Collaborating with companies, local governments, and citizens, they continue to generate positive social impacts.
About Helena Rubinstein
For over 120 years, Helena Rubinstein has been revolutionizing beauty with innovative ideas and products, continuously raising the bar in the premium skincare industry. The founder, Madame Helena Rubinstein, is recognized not only for unlocking the potential of beauty but also for breaking new ground in life itself. Under her belief of “not replicating what already exists,” she established norms in skincare for different skin types and pioneered various breakthroughs in the cosmetics industry.
For more information, visit:
Social Innovation Japan and
Helena Rubinstein.