The "Women in Business" Challenge aims to support women entrepreneurs providing them with the assistance, templates, contacts and financiers to get their business started. Creating a level playing field for men and women entrepreneurs. Currently 23% of BiD Network's business proposals come from women entrepreneurs. The aim is to increase this.

Women in Business Challenge is a new sector competition developed by BiD Network and powered by ING and ICCO, this challenge focuses on women entrepreneurs in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Target audience
Women anywhere in the world who want to start or grow an existing small and medium sized enterprise (SME) in a developing country. They seek finance in the range of US$ 10,000 and US$ 1 million in finance. They either already have a full business plan or need help in developing their business plan. They have the ambition to grow the business in sales and numbers of employees. Plans will be accepted in English, Spanish and in French.

Prizes
This Challenge brings two prizes. Cash prizes up to 15,000 Euro and the "ING Retail Award"of 10,000 Euro for the best retail business plan. All participants will receive feedback to improve their plan and may require for a coach to assist them in the writing of their business plan. Whether or not a participant becomes a finalist, all high quality business plans are eligible for the BiD Network Investor Matchmaking Services.

Deadline: January 15, 2010

Participants should submit their complete business plan not later than January 15, 2010. More information about the Women in Business Challenge is available online.