Deadline: May 1, 2026
Applications are open for the Visa Everywhere Pioneers Programme 2026. The Visa Everywhere Pioneers programme, which shines a spotlight on entrepreneurial women in Europe with refugee backgrounds, has opened for entries for 2026. This year, the initiative will honour 30 winners, and the 2026 cohort of Pioneers will receive business mentoring, access to language courses, and over €60,000 of microgrants collectively to support their business growth.
In its fourth year, the Visa Everywhere Pioneers programme celebrates entrepreneurial women with refugee backgrounds who, through their own creativity, innovation and leadership skills, are driving positive impact on a local, regional or national scale.
Previous years’ winners have made outstanding impressions on healthcare, education, advocacy, business and other sectors. They have delivered exciting new options for individuals, communities and businesses, and have created employment for others.
Award
Winners of the 2026 edition of Visa Everywhere will be awarded:
- €2,000 or £2,000 cash grant (depending on location)
- Access to business mentorship
- Access to language courses
Eligibility
The Visa Everywhere Pioneers programme is open to female entrepreneurs with refugee backgrounds based in Europe.
To apply for these awards, you must:
- be a woman aged 18+
- be a resident of one of the 27 EU Member States or Switzerland, Norway, Turkey, Iceland, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine or the United Kingdom
- have a product or service in the market
- have been trading for at least 12 months
- be registered as a sole trader or business entity and own at least 51% in that entity
- have a physical or digital presence such as a store, website or similar
Application
Applications will close on 23:59 GMT on Friday 1 May 2026. Winners announcement will be on Saturday, 20 June 2026 – World Refugee Day.
For more information, visit Visa Everywhere Pioneers Programme.
