Cherie Blair Foundation Opens Applications for Women Entrepreneurs

Applications for the Mentoring Women in Business Program are now open for the September 2026 cohort and will close on September 4, 2026. The global initiative by the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women connects women entrepreneurs in low- and middle-income countries with experienced business professionals for personalized, year-long mentoring.

The program provides women entrepreneurs with an opportunity to work one-on-one with a dedicated mentor from anywhere in the world. The mentoring relationship focuses on helping participants strengthen their businesses, develop professional skills, build confidence and work towards their own business and personal development goals.

Launched in 2010, the Mentoring Women in Business Program has supported nearly 7,000 women entrepreneurs as mentees, according to the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women. The program combines technology, mentoring and global connections to help women entrepreneurs strengthen their businesses and expand their knowledge and networks.

Key Highlights:

• Applications for the September 2026 cohort are open until September 4, 2026
• Women entrepreneurs receive personalized mentoring for one year from experienced business professionals
• 99% of 2024 graduates reported improved business skills

Selected participants are carefully matched with experienced business mentors based on factors including their areas of focus, required skills and time zones. The Foundation's matching process considers areas such as business planning, finance and accounting, leadership, management, marketing and communications.

Mentoring lasts for a year and is facilitated via the Foundation's online and app-based mentoring platform. Participants will meet with their mentor at least twice a month for two hours. The program has four phases: Welcome, Goal and Direction, Action Plan, Reflection and Graduation.

The platform also enables the participants to have video calls, send messages, follow goals, complete tasks and track progress, as well as share documents. The Foundation also supports the mentoring relationship throughout and offers monthly webinars on various business-related topics.

The program aims to enhance the business skills of the participants and tackle issues that are specific to their businesses. Mentees can collaborate with mentors for business strategy, financial systems, leadership, and communication, marketing and professional development.

99% of mentees who graduated in 2024 found their business skills had improved, 96% applied better business management practices and 94% moved towards their business goals and 86% improved their business outcomes, according to the Foundation.

The program is geared for women entrepreneurs from low and middle income countries, which are operating or planning to establish businesses. Applicants who are interested may apply through the program application process before the last application deadline of September 4.