Call for
applications
2026
Frequently asked
questions (FAQ)
Thank you for your interest in the Women on Wings Call for applications 2026. Please read the following FAQs before filling out the application form to learn about this initiative, the application process, evaluation criteria and the next steps if you are selected.
Q1
What is the mission and strategy of Women on Wings, and what impact has it had so far?
Women on Wings aims to unleash the full potential of women in rural India by co-creating one million jobs. Our strategy centers on partnering with purpose-led Indian enterprises and government institutions that create sustainable livelihood opportunities for women in rural India. We provide these organizations with the business acumen to scale operations, access markets and optimize value chains. To date, we have co-created over 456,072 jobs.
Q2
What is the purpose of the Call for applications 2026?
The Call for applications 2026 seeks to identify 6–8 purpose-driven Indian enterprises demonstrating strong potential for social impact and sustainable value creation. With an approach designed specifically for impact-focused, growth-stage organizations, we offer tailor-made, pro bono support over a three-year period. Through this partnership, Women on Wings aims to help accelerate both the business growth of participating enterprises and the depth of impact they can create.
Q3
Who can apply?
> Growth-stage, for-profit enterprise legally registered in India
> In food and agriculture; allied sectors, like dairy, aquaculture, poultry, sericulture, forestry; clean agri-tech
> Operating for a minimum of 3 years
> On target to become profitable and increase turnover in the next two years
> Currently creating sustainable jobs for a minimum of 250 women in rural India, directly or through partners, and with an ambition to double this number in the next 3 years
Only applications meeting the above criteria shall be considered..
Q4
What kind of support do selected enterprises receive from Women on Wings?
Selected enterprises will receive customized, one-on-one mentoring and consulting support designed to accelerate both business growth and social impact. Over a period of three years, the engagement will focus on key enablers of scale and sustainability.
Year 1
> Defining strategies to maximize business growth and deepen social impact
> Strengthening financial management and understanding profitability
> Refining brand positioning and market approach
Years 2 & 3
> Professionalizing sales processes
> Optimizing supply chain system
> Building organizational culture and leadership capabilities
> Enhancing investment readiness
Q5
Will Women on Wings provide any funding in addition to mentoring and consulting?
Funding will not be provided.
Q6
Does a selected enterprise pay any fee for the consulting and mentoring received?
Our consulting and mentoring services are offered pro bono. However, selected enterprises are expected to cover boarding and lodging costs for up to two Women on Wings experts during any onsite visits to their offices or field operations. These visits typically last 2–3 days each, and will not exceed four visits per calendar year.
Q7
What is the expected duration of the partnership?
The engagement spans three years, with a joint evaluation at the end of year 1 to assess progress and decide on the continuation of the partnership. The review will consider:
> Value and relevance: The benefits of the collaboration for both parties
> Quality of engagement: Effectiveness and ease of working together
> Commitment to action: The enterprise’s dedication to implementing advisory inputs
Q8
What kind of commitment is expected from the management of the selected enterprises?
Women on Wings provides consulting through a strategic mix of onsite and online mentoring, reviews, and strategy discussions. Active involvement from the founder or CEO, along with key management team members, is essential. Their engagement ensures that strategies and advice are tailored to the enterprise’s specific needs and challenges, making the partnership effective and impactful.
Q9
What kind of reporting is expected from the selected enterprises during the three years?
Throughout the partnership, each enterprise is required to provide impact and business growth data biannually—by the end of March and September—using a prescribed reporting format. This data will be baselined at the commencement of the partnership.
Q10
What is the process of applying?
You can apply to the Call for applications 2026 by completing the online application form available via the Women on Wings website. We recommend reviewing the questions in advance to understand the type of information required and to prepare the necessary supporting documents. Once your application is successfully submitted, you will receive a confirmation message. Applications must be submitted only through the online form, no later than 23:59 midnight on November 23, 2025.
Q11
What documents should I prepare and attach with the application?
> Company registration
> Audited balance sheet and income statement of the last 2 financial years
> Evidence of women engaged (payroll/statement of accounts/partner agreement/verification letter/impact assessment report, etc.)
> Current organogram
Q12
Is having women founders or being women-led a requirement for applying?
No. While we strongly value women in leadership, the primary eligibility criterion is that the enterprise must create sustainable jobs for women in rural India.
Q13
I have queries on eligibility/need technical support with the application. Can we speak to someone?
Yes. Please write to cfa2026@womenonwings.com with the subject line ‘Call for applications ‘. Briefly and clearly describe your question. A member of our team will get in touch to answer your questions, clarify eligibility or provide technical assistance.
Q14
Can I apply if I am part of other cohorts?
Yes, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.
Q15
I am an existing partner of Women on Wings. Can I apply to the Call for Applications 2026?
Current partners can reach out to the Women on Wings team for any support. The Call for Applications 2026 is intended for new enterprises.
Q16
Are there any costs to apply?
No, there are no costs to apply.
Q17
Can I send multiple applications?
Only one application will be accepted per legal entity. In the event of multiple submissions, only the first application received (based on the system timestamp) will be considered for evaluation; subsequent entries will be deemed ineligible and automatically disregarded. For hybrid structures, the application should be submitted by the for-profit entity.
Q18
Can I save the form and return to it later?
Yes. On the bottom of each page there is a ‘save’ button. Click that before leaving the form. You will get a request to either sign in with Gmail, sign up with jotform or have the link emailed to you. You can also copy the link for re-entry of the form.
Q19
Can I update my application after submission?
No. Please ensure completeness before final submission. If technical failure occurs, your form is saved to the last time you clicked the save button. On final submission you will receive an email with the answers you submitted.
Q20
How will I know if my application is submitted successfully?
Upon successful submission of the application, you will receive an automatic confirmation prompt, thanking you for applying to the Women on Wings Call for applications 2026 and an email with the answers you submitted.
Q21
What are the next steps once an application is submitted?
> All applications will be reviewed for eligibility and alignment with our objectives.
> Shortlisted enterprises will be notified via email and invited to make a virtual presentation before a Women on Wings jury during the week of January 19-23, 2026. The presentation deck needs to be sent to Women on Wings by January 5th, 2026.
> Final selections will be made following the completion of all presentations and communicated by January 30, 2026.
> Selected enterprises will receive information on onboarding and an invite to attend the Kick-off Summit in Delhi NCR happening February 20-21, 2026. Boarding and lodging for up to 2 representatives per enterprise, to attend this event, will be arranged and paid for by Women on Wings.
Q22
What criteria will be used for evaluation and selection?
> Alignment with our goal: The enterprise applying should contribute to co-creating sustainable jobs for women in rural India.
> Management team: A focused team with clear ambition, strong domain knowledge, collaborative spirit and a proactive, can-do attitude.
> Business model: A scalable model with the potential for long-term sustainability.
> Unique selling proposition: A clear and distinct value proposition that sets the enterprise apart.
Q23
What will happen to the data collected for the Call for applications 2026?
All information shared will be kept strictly confidential and used only for the purposes of evaluation. Data will not be shared outside Women on Wings.
