Applications are now open for the 2026 edition of the Visa Everywhere Pioneers programme, an initiative designed to spotlight and celebrate entrepreneurial women throughout Europe who come from refugee backgrounds. The program aims to recognize their creativity, innovation, and leadership, contributing to positive impact at local, regional, and national levels.
Program Overview
• Program Focus: Now in its fourth year, the Visa Everywhere Pioneers programme celebrates entrepreneurial women with refugee backgrounds who are driving positive change.
• Impact Areas: Previous winners have contributed across sectors such as healthcare, education, advocacy, and business, creating opportunities and employment.
• 2026 Cohort: This year’s initiative will select 30 winners to join the 2026 cohort of Pioneers.
Awards and Benefits
• Financial Support: Winners will receive a cash grant of €2,000 or £2,000 depending on their location, with over €60,000 in total microgrants distributed.
• Mentorship: Awardees gain access to business mentorship opportunities.
• Skill Development: Participants receive access to language courses to support their growth.
Eligibility Criteria
• Applicant Profile: Open to women aged 18 and over with refugee backgrounds.
• Geographic Location: Applicants must reside in one of the 27 EU Member States, Switzerland, Norway, Turkey, Iceland, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, or the United Kingdom.
• Business Stage: Applicants must have a product or service in the market and have been trading for at least 12 months.
• Business Structure: Applicants must be registered as a sole trader or business entity and own at least 51% of the business.
• Market Presence: A physical or digital presence (e.g., store or website) is required.
• Status Requirement: Applicants must meet at least one of the following: hold refugee status, be an asylum seeker with full work rights, be under international protection, hold a humanitarian visa, or have been born in a country classified as ‘High Warning’ or above on the Fragile States Index and arrived in their current country within the last five years.
Program Partners
• Delivery Partners: Visa Inc. collaborates with The Entrepreneurial Refugee Network (TERN), SINGA, Odyssea, and Delitelabs.
• TERN: Supports refugee entrepreneurs in building and developing businesses, with over 750 founders supported since 2016.
• SINGA: Operates across multiple countries, accelerating inclusion and supporting refugee entrepreneurship.
• Odyssea: Provides vocational and life-skills training for vulnerable individuals.
• Delitelabs: Helps newcomers build businesses and supports inclusive workplaces.
Key Dates
• Applications Open: Tuesday, 17 March 2026
• Applications Close: Friday, 1 May 2026, at 23:59 GMT
• Winners Announcement: Friday, 20 June 2026, on World Refugee Day
This initiative offers a platform for entrepreneurial women to share their stories, scale their businesses, and grow through financial support and mentorship. Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply for the 2026 cohort.