Bicester Collection's Unlock Her Future Prize 2025
The Bicester Collection has announced an exciting initiative for aspiring female entrepreneurs in South Asia—the
Unlock Her Future Prize 2025. Building on the success of its previous editions in the MENA region and LATAM, this competition aims to identify and support the next generation of women-led social impact ventures.
This annual start-up competition encourages women from
Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and
Sri Lanka to submit their innovative business ideas. The initiative specifically targets women aged 18 and older, looking to create businesses that align with the
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring their efforts contribute positively and sustainably to society.
Supporting Women Entrepreneurs
The Unlock Her Future Prize is not just a competition; it's a platform dedicated to empowering women by providing substantial opportunities and resources. Candidates can apply at different stages of their entrepreneurial journey, whether they have a promising idea, a tested prototype, or an established startup within three years that generates under
US$1 million in revenue.
Winners of the Unlock Her Future Prize will receive:
- - A grant of up to US$100,000 to launch and scale their startups.
- - An executive education program, courtesy of the Saïd Business School at Oxford University.
- - Personalized leadership coaching and access to expert mentors.
- - Exposure through The Bicester Collection's extensive global network, paving the way for further opportunities.
This initiative has been inspired by significant research that indicates a substantial economic impact if women entrepreneurs are equally represented. According to
The Boston Consulting Group, global GDP could see an increase of up to
6%, translating to approximately
$5 trillion, if men and women had equal footing in the entrepreneurial realm. However, as reported by
Harvard Business School, women-led businesses still face significant challenges, with fewer than
3% receiving venture capital funding.
Legacy and Impact
The Unlock Her Future Prize launched in 2022 as part of the Bicester Collection's
DO GOOD philanthropic program, aimed at fostering societal change and gender equality. With around
US$600,000 allocated in grants and multiple startups already thriving and creating community impact, the 2025 edition is set to join a lineage of transformative social initiatives. Previous winners have gone on to form a prestigious network, showcasing the potential of women entrepreneurs making significant contributions to their communities—like
Leydi Cruz from Bolivia and
Noor Jaber from Lebanon, among others.
Chantal Khoueiry, Chief Culture Officer at The Bicester Collection, commented, "Empowering women, both locally and globally, remains at the heart of what we aim to achieve. Through this prize, we provide women with the capital, education, and networks necessary to succeed in their endeavors, ultimately transforming communities and fostering sustainable growth that lasts for generations."
Shruti Nair of
Ashoka expressed enthusiasm over the collaboration with The Bicester Collection, which aims to support women entrepreneurs and encourage them to become role models in society.
Finalists will be selected by a committee of international business leaders, followed by a pitch day in October 2025. The winners will be unveiled during a ceremony in the UK that coincides with the Bicester Collection's thirtieth anniversary.
The application process for the Unlock Her Future Prize is currently open and will remain accessible until
March 10, 2025. Women entrepreneurs eager to make their mark and drive social change can find more information and submit their applications on
The Bicester Collection's official website.