The Visa Everywhere Pioneers 2026 programme is now open, offering a transformative opportunity for entrepreneurial women with refugee backgrounds in Europe to scale their businesses, access funding, and gain global recognition.
Now in its fourth year, this prestigious initiative celebrates women who are using innovation, creativity, and leadership to drive meaningful impact across industries such as healthcare, education, advocacy, and business. The programme is designed not only to reward outstanding entrepreneurs but also to provide the tools and support needed to accelerate their ventures.
With 30 winners selected for 2026, participants will benefit from financial support, mentorship, and capacity-building opportunities that can significantly enhance their business growth and long-term sustainability.
About the Visa Everywhere Pioneers Programme
The Visa Everywhere Pioneers programme is an initiative that highlights and empowers female entrepreneurs with refugee backgrounds who are making a difference in their communities and beyond.
Over the years, winners have:
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Launched impactful solutions across multiple sectors
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Created employment opportunities for others
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Delivered innovative services to underserved communities
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Built scalable businesses with measurable social and economic impact
The programme serves as a platform for these entrepreneurs to share their stories, gain visibility, and connect with a wider ecosystem of support.
What Winners Will Receive
Selected winners of the 2026 edition will gain access to a comprehensive support package designed to strengthen both their businesses and personal development.
Financial Support
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Each winner will receive a €2,000 or £2,000 cash grant (depending on location)
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A total of over €60,000 in microgrants will be distributed across all winners
Mentorship and Capacity Building
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Access to tailored business mentorship from industry experts
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Guidance on scaling operations, strategy, and sustainability
Learning Opportunities
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Access to language courses to support integration and business growth
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Exposure to international best practices and entrepreneurial tools
Visibility and Recognition
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Recognition as a Visa Everywhere Pioneer 2026
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Opportunity to showcase their business and impact on a global platform
Who Can Apply
The programme is open to female entrepreneurs with refugee backgrounds living in Europe who meet the following criteria:
Basic Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
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Be a woman aged 18 years or older
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Reside in:
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Any of the 27 EU Member States, or
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Switzerland, Norway, Turkey, Iceland, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, or the United Kingdom
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Have a product or service already in the market
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Have been actively trading for at least 12 months
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Be registered as a sole trader or business entity
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Own at least 51% of the business
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Have a physical or digital presence (e.g., store, website, or platform)
Refugee or Displacement Criteria
Applicants must meet at least one of the following:
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Have been granted legal refugee status
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Be an asylum seeker with full work rights
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Be under international protection or on a humanitarian visa
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Be from a country listed in the Fragile States Index (High Warning to Very High Alert) and have arrived in their destination country within the past five years
Programme Partners
The Visa Everywhere Pioneers programme is delivered in collaboration with leading organisations that support refugee entrepreneurship:
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TERN – Supports refugee entrepreneurs in building and scaling businesses
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SINGA – Promotes inclusion and entrepreneurship for refugees across Europe
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Odyssea – Provides employability and vocational training for vulnerable groups
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Delitelabs – Supports newcomers through tailored business and career pathways
These partners provide essential expertise, mentorship, and support systems to ensure the success of participants.
Key Dates and Timeline
Applicants should take note of the following important dates:
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Applications Open: 17 March 2026
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Application Deadline: 1 May 2026 (23:59 GMT)
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Winners Announcement: 20 June 2026 (World Refugee Day)
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early to avoid last-minute challenges.
Why You Should Apply
The Visa Everywhere Pioneers programme offers more than just financial support. It is a comprehensive growth platform that enables entrepreneurs to:
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Strengthen their business strategy and operations
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Gain access to expert mentorship and industry insights
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Expand their professional networks across Europe
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Increase their visibility and credibility
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Scale their ventures for greater social and economic impact
For women entrepreneurs navigating the challenges of displacement, this programme provides a powerful opportunity to accelerate success and build sustainable businesses.
How to Apply
Interested applicants can apply through the Official Application Platform.
Applicants should ensure they meet all eligibility requirements and prepare strong applications that highlight their business impact, innovation, and growth potential.
Learn more about the Visa Everywhere Pioneers 2026 programme HERE.
Visit OFY HERE to discover more global grant opportunities.