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Source verified September 21, 2026
Zonta Women in Business Leadership Award
International award for women business leaders
Latest source updateLast Update: September 20, 2026Latest change: Zonta updated the award with a 2027 timetable, a reduced US$5,000 award amount, new eligibility exclusions, and revised application instructions.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: September 20, 2026
Latest change: Zonta updated the award with a 2027 timetable, a reduced US$5,000 award amount, new eligibility exclusions, and revised application instructions.
Zonta Women in Business Leadership Award updated for 2027
Zonta’s 2027 application description now shows club-specific timelines, district submissions due 2 January 2027, and international recipients announced 28 February 2027. The international award amount is now US$5,000 each, and the materials add new rules on who may apply, including exclusions for Zonta members, Zonta International and Foundation employees, and previous awardees seeking a second-year renewal. The application process was also revised: applicants must start with a Zonta club, use the club locator to get the deadline and submission address, submit in English, and use the official application and essay with supporting verification and two direct recommendations.
Funding available
$ 5,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
This program recognizes women leaders in business with international awards of US$10,000 each. It supports leadership, entrepreneurship, ethical conduct, and contributions addressing issues affecting women and girls or climate justice.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Start a business
- Raise awareness or mobilize a population
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 5,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Youth (<40)
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Documents Needed
- Completion of the official application, including essay.
- Verification of current enrollment by school/institute official, or letter from employer confirming employment.
- Two recommendations from adults, not related to the applicant, sent directly to the Zonta club or district and not through the applicant.
Official resources
Program guide
Application form
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Women aged 18 to 35 at the time of application.
- Z club and Golden Z club members.
- Recipients of a Zonta fellowship or award who have received a complimentary one-year supporting membership from Zonta International, during their complimentary membership year, provided they are not applying for the same fellowship or scholarship they previously received from Zonta International.
Who is not eligible
- Club members and individuals with direct membership with Zonta International.
- Employees of Zonta International and Zonta Foundation for Women.
- Previous Zonta Women in Business Leadership Awardees applying to renew the Award for a second year.
- Recipients of a Zonta fellowship or award are not eligible during their complimentary membership year if they are applying for the same fellowship or scholarship they previously received from Zonta International.
Eligible geographic areas
- Global, through Zonta clubs and districts.
- Areas within Zonta districts with no local clubs may apply via a Zonta e-Club or directly to the district.
How to apply
- Step 1: Find a local Zonta club
- Use the Club Locator to identify the nearest club.
- Obtain the submission address and deadline from the club.
- Step 2: Request assistance if needed
- Email your name and contact information to Zonta International Headquarters for help.
- Step 3: Prepare the application
- Complete the application in the language accepted by the club or district.
- Ensure the application is typed.
- Step 4: Submit the application
- Send the application to the appropriate Zonta club or district by the printed deadline.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are submitted to a Zonta club or district for review.
- Only typed applications are accepted and considered.
- Applicants are notified through the club or district process and must follow the deadline printed on the application.
Additional information
- Applications must be submitted through a Zonta club or district.
- Applications must be typed.
- The accepted language depends on the club or district.
- Applicants in areas without local clubs may apply via a Zonta e-Club or directly to the district.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Zonta Women in Business Leadership Award Program
What is the Zonta Women in Business Leadership Award?
This program recognizes women leaders in business with international awards of US$10,000 each. It supports leadership, entrepreneurship, ethical conduct, and contributions addressing issues affecting women and girls or climate justice.
How much funding can be received?
Zonta Women in Business Leadership Award Funds up to $5,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the Zonta Women in Business Leadership Award program?
To be eligible for the Zonta Women in Business Leadership Award program, you must:
Women aged 18–35.
Business leadership and ethics.
Impact on women, girls, or climate justice.
Who can I contact for more information about the Zonta Women in Business Leadership Award?
You can contact Zonta International by email at programs@zonta.org.
Where is the Zonta Women in Business Leadership Award available?
The Zonta Women in Business Leadership Award program is available across Canada.
Is the Zonta Women in Business Leadership Award a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Zonta Women in Business Leadership Award is a Grant and Funding