The Visa Everywhere Pioneers initiative spotlights the stories of creativity and innovation that displaced women bring to their communities and local economies.

The programme honours remarkable women from diverse backgrounds, industries and experiences who have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and a commitment to build their own business and making a positive impact. These trailblazing individuals, whether they run small local businesses, innovative startups or large organisations, serve as beacons of inspiration, breaking down barriers and fostering positive change.

Since 2023, we've supported 70 founders to develop and grow their businesses. Now, in it's fourth year the Visa Everywhere Pioneers winners have made outstanding contributions in healthcare, education, advocacy, business and other sectors.

Nominations and self-nominations for the Visa Everywhere Pioneer 2026 are now open.

Visa Everywhere Pioneers 2025

In its third year, the Visa Everywhere Pioneers programme continued its celebration of entrepreneurial women with refugee backgrounds who, through their own creativity, innovation, and leadership skills, are driving positive impact on a local, regional, or national scale. Last year, the initiative expanded to honour 30 winners, and the 2025 cohort of Pioneers each received access to business mentoring and over €60,000 of microgrants collectively to support their business growth.

 

Watch the highlights from this year’s awards ceremony

110 total applications

36 nationalities represented

17 countries of residence

Highlights from 2025’s programme of events

In 2025, Visa Everywhere Pioneers brought together learning, connection and celebration through two standout events in London. The programme opened with a two-day learning, mentoring and networking experience, beginning at Visa’s Paddington Market Support Office.

Through practical workshops, shared learning and conversations with business leaders and partners, participants built skills, exchanged ideas and formed meaningful connections. The momentum continued at the REN Summit, spotlighting these women as change makers, now supported with mentoring, language courses and over €60,000 in microgrants.

The programme concluded with an awards ceremony at Loughborough University London, celebrating 30 pioneers whose ambition, resilience and innovation are creating impact across Europe.

 


Hear from some of 2025’s cohort

See the full list of finalists from 2025

Our 2025 judging panel

2025’s winners were selected by our panel of expert judges who come from diverse business backgrounds, bringing a wealth of experience to the Visa Everywhere Pioneers programme.

Our 2025 partners

Visa is working with partners TERN, Singa, Odyssea and Delitelabs to deliver the Visa Everywhere Pioneers programme, which spotlights a diverse group of remarkable entrepreneurial women from refugee backgrounds across Europe who have made a positive impact in their fields. By providing a platform for them to tell their stories, alongside direct financial support, the programme supports Pioneers in scaling up their businesses and growing their revenues.

Visa Everywhere Pioneers 2024

In the second year of the Visa Everywhere Pioneers programme, we recognised twenty outstanding women entrepreneurs with refugee backgrounds from different countries across Europe.

See the full list of finalists from 2024

Visa Everywhere Pioneers 2023

The inaugural group of Visa Everywhere Pioneers were recognised in 2023, celebrating their extraordinary community contributions.

Hear from some of the 2023 cohort

comfort

Comfort Etim

Comfort, who came to the UK from Nigeria, works with Refugee Women Connect and is the founder of Comfort’s Angels — which uses football to empower women, promote integration and improve physical and mental well-being.

Sarah Ahmadi

Sarah, from Afghanistan, moved to the UK seeking a better life. She has since gone on to form a number of charities focused on improving the lives of refugees, asylum seekers and people in the BME community.

Tetiana Balanova

Tetiana left Ukraine as a result of the escalating conflict, arriving in Edinburgh. She joined the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain and has been working to provide community and support for displaced Ukrainians.

See the full list of finalists from 2023

Unlocking Visa New Doors for newcomers in Europe

Helping displaced people thrive