The “Powered by Women” program is a transformative initiative designed to empower female entrepreneurs in Palestine by providing the tools, funding, and mentorship needed to scale their existing businesses. This first cycle specifically targets growth-oriented women entrepreneurs in Ramallah, East Jerusalem, and Jerusalem.
At a Glance
- Opportunity Type: Business Development Program & Grant Competition
- For: Registered, women-led small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Ramallah and Jerusalem
- Key Benefits: Intensive training, technical mentoring, networking, and a chance to win one of 10 growth grants
- Application Deadline: April 14, 2026
- Location: Ramallah, East Jerusalem, and Jerusalem, Palestine
Accelerator Program Overview
The “Powered by Women” project is implemented by CARE International in the West Bank and Gaza, in partnership with the Business Women Forum (BWF) and the Juzoor Foundation. The program focuses on enhancing the resilience and sustainability of women-owned SMEs by helping them respond to market opportunities rather than just operating out of necessity. In its first year, the program will select 25 women-led projects to undergo an intensive business development journey, with the top 10 projects eventually competing for direct growth grants.
Key Benefits
- Customized Support: Business development packages tailored to the specific needs of your enterprise.
- Intensive Training: 35 days of capacity-building training scheduled throughout 2026.
- Expert Mentorship: Technical guidance and counseling from specialized industry experts.
- Market Access: Networking opportunities to connect with new markets and potential funding sources.
- Financial Grants: The opportunity to compete for one of 10 financial grants specifically designated for business expansion.
Eligibility Criteria
- Location: The project must primarily operate in Ramallah, East Jerusalem, or Jerusalem.
- Operational History: The business must have been active for at least 3 years.
- Legal Status: The enterprise must be officially registered with the relevant authorities.
- Leadership: The applicant must be the primary decision-maker and actual manager of the project.
- Exclusivity: Applicants must not currently be participating in any other program implemented by BWF, CARE, or their partners.
- Sustainability: The project’s products and production processes must not be harmful to the environment.
- Commitment: Applicants must commit to attending all training sessions and project activities.
- Priority: Preference is given to projects that utilize technology and integrate innovative tools into their operations.
Selection Process
The selection process is designed to be systematic and transparent, consisting of the following phases:
- Online Application: Submission of the digital form and required documents.
- Technical Evaluation: Assessment based on social, technical, and administrative criteria to determine growth readiness.
- Document Verification: Review of official documents to ensure accuracy.
- Final Selection: Selection of the final 25 participants based on combined evaluation results.
How to Apply
To take your business to the next level, complete the online application form before the deadline. Ensure all fields are filled and eligibility requirements are met, as incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Application Deadline: April 14, 2026
- Apply Here: Powered by Women Registration Link
About Business Women Forum (BWF)
The Business Women Forum (BWF) is a Palestinian non-profit organization established to promote and empower women entrepreneurs and business owners within the Palestinian economy. BWF works to strengthen the role of women as leaders in the private sector through advocacy, capacity building, and providing access to necessary business resources.
Learn More: BWF Opportunity Page
