UpGreyed Her 2026: Funding women entrepreneurs around the world

Women entrepreneurs are building businesses, creating jobs, solving real problems and driving innovation across industries around the world. But access to capital continues to shape how far and how fast many of these businesses can expand.

Today, women still face a $1.9 trillion global financing gap, highlighting the difference between the capital they need to scale their businesses and the funding they are actually able to access.

Following the 2026 International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain,” we are bringing back UpGreyedHer for its third edition. We believe that when we give a woman-led business the infrastructure it needs, the entire global economy gains.

What is UpGreyed Her?

UpGreyed Her is an initiative created to provide direct financial support to women entrepreneurs who are building scalable, technology-enabled businesses in emerging markets.

This year, UpGreyed Her will support three outstanding and inspiring women entrepreneurs in emerging markets building tech-enabled startups or businesses across industries such as artificial intelligence, IT, transportation and logistics, agriculture and forestry, education, healthcare, construction, renewable and non-renewable energy, and manufacturing.

The winner will receive $5,000, the second-place winner $3,000, and the third-place winner $2,000 to strengthen and expand their operations.

To ensure a thoughtful and credible selection process, applications will be reviewed by a respected panel of accomplished women leaders with expertise in business, technology, and management.

Each application will be assessed based on innovation, viability, impact, and scalability. The evaluation process is designed to be fair, expert-led, and grounded in real business insight.

We want to support founders who are building sustainable ventures with measurable potential.

For announcements, deadlines, and key updates, follow us on social media at @greyfinance.

Who should apply

We are inviting applications from women who:

• Are between 23 and 40 years old
• Run a technology-enabled startup or early-stage business
• Operate across Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe, or North America
• Can demonstrate traction, revenue, partnerships, or a structured business plan
• Are ready to expand their operations

If your business is ready for its next phase of growth, this initiative is for you.

How to apply

Applications aren’t open yet, but before they go live to the public, we’re giving you the chance to join the waitlist early.

This means you’ll:

• Be the first to know when applications go live.
• Get early updates and important announcements
• Have more time to prepare a strong application before the rush

Join the waitlist today and be ready when applications open.

We can’t wait to see what you’re building.