Who can apply for the contest?
The contest is open to women entrepreneurs who are citizens or permanent residents of BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, UAE) or BRICS partner countries (Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan). Applicants must hold a key leadership position in their startup and demonstrate innovative, scalable solutions with potential for growth within BRICS markets.
My country is not part of the BRICS or its official partners. Can I still apply?
Yes, but with conditions. If your startup operates primarily within BRICS markets, you are eligible to apply regardless of your country of origin. However, if you are applying based solely on having a clear and actionable plan to expand into BRICS markets, this option is only available for startups from Kyrgyzstan, Mozambique, Lesotho, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
What documents do I need to provide when applying?
Applicants are required to submit:
- Business pitch (maximum 10 pages, PDF format).
- Link to a short video presentation (maximum 3 minutes).
- Financial and operational summary (if available).
- Proof of eligibility (citizenship/residency or business registration document).
Can I apply under more than one category?
No, applicants must select the category that best aligns with their project’s core area of innovation. Please carefully review the category descriptions to choose the most suitable option.
What happens after I submit my application?
After submission, applications will go through a three-stage evaluation process:
- Qualification Stage: Verification of eligibility and alignment with contest criteria.
- Technical Analysis: Expert evaluation based on innovation, impact, scalability, etc.
- Final Review: Strategic alignment assessment by BRICS WBA leaders.
If your application meets the eligibility requirements, it will progress to the Technical Analysis phase and so on.
Who are the judges and evaluators?
The judging panel includes sector-specific experts from BRICS nations with deep knowledge of the respective categories. The final review will be conducted by the presidents of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance chapters, ensuring alignment with BRICS priorities and regional relevance.
What is included in the trip to Rio de Janeiro?
The trip to Rio de Janeiro (1-8 July 2025) includes:
- Round-trip flights, accommodation, and stipend fully covered.
- Participation in a Technical Mission with visits to key innovation hubs and business locations.
- High-profile networking events with investors, policymakers, and industry leaders.
- Attendance at the BRICS Business Forum & Award Ceremony.
Can I modify my application after submission?
No, once your application has been submitted, it cannot be modified. We recommend thoroughly reviewing all documents and information before submission.
How will I be notified if I am selected as a finalist?
Finalists will be notified via the contact information provided during the application process. An official announcement will also be made on the contest website and through official BRICS WBA communication channels.
What happens if I cannot attend the final event in Rio?
If you are unable to attend the final event in Rio de Janeiro, your participation in the awards ceremony and related activities may be arranged virtually. However, it is highly encouraged to attend in person to take full advantage of networking and promotional opportunities.
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