Overview
The Lift as You Rise Program is an initiative by the International Women’s Alliance (IWA) that ensures every paid IWA membership directly supports another woman who cannot afford it.
For every Gold Membership (€299/year) purchased, IWA sponsors one woman in need. IWA sponsors five women for every Diamond Membership (€1,999/year).
This initiative enables women in developing economies and those facing financial hardship to access business education, mentorship, and networking opportunities through IWAcademy, helping them launch and grow their businesses.
The program operates on a pay-it-forward model: Once a sponsored woman achieves financial stability, she is encouraged to become a paying member and sponsor another woman, continuing the cycle of empowerment.
Mission
At Lift as You Rise, we believe that true empowerment comes from lifting others as we climb. Our mission is to create a global ripple effect of opportunity by ensuring that every woman, regardless of her financial situation, has access to the tools, education, and mentorship needed to build a successful future.
Through a pay-it-forward sponsorship model, we connect women from all walks of life, enabling those with resources to support aspiring entrepreneurs who need guidance and financial assistance. By fostering business education, networking, and mentorship, we empower women to rise together, breaking barriers, driving innovation, and creating lasting change in their communities.
At IWA, we don’t just build businesses: we build women up.
Vision
Our vision is a world where every woman has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of financial limitations. Through the Lift as You Rise Program, we aim to build a global network of empowered women who uplift one another, ensuring that success is not a privilege but a shared journey.
By creating a sustainable cycle of support, education, and mentorship, we envision a future where women from underdeveloped economies and challenging circumstances can access the resources they need to build thriving businesses, achieve financial independence, and become leaders in their industries.
Together, we rise higher by lifting others.
Eligibility Criteria
Who Can Receive a Sponsored Membership?
Who
Be women from developing economies, women facing financial hardship, minorities, etc.
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What
Have a clear and solid business plan that requires support to move forward.
Why
Need assistance in launching or growing their business.
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Must-do
Demonstrate commitment to using IWA resources effectively.
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Eligibility Criteria
Who Is Not Eligible?
Startups that can afford the Silver Membership (€99/year)
Women not actively working on a business
Those without a clear business plan or professional online presence
SELECTION PROCESS
1. Application Submission
Applicants submit a business plan, a statement of financial need, and links to their social media or business page.
2. Assessment & Interviews
IWA reviews applications, conducts interviews, and evaluates social media presence.
3. Announcement of Openings
IWA announces available spots based on the number of new paying members supporting the program.
SPONSORSHIP &
PARTNER BENEFITS
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Website & Social Media Recognition
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Optional Reports on Impact
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Public Visibility on IWA’s Transparency Page
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Customizable Involvement (e.g., financial sponsorship, product support, mentorship opportunities)
Program Process & Operations
MATCHING PROCESS
Paid members can remain anonymous or be introduced to their sponsored member.
Sponsors can opt to mentor their sponsored member.
IWA matches recipients based on industry, sector, and mentorship preferences.
The process takes 2-3 months for application review and onboarding.
RENEWAL POLICY
Sponsored members will receive continuous renewal if they:
- Actively use IWA resources
- Still require financial support
Once their business becomes self-sufficient, they are encouraged to become a paying member and sponsor another woman.
Marketing & Awareness
How IWA Promotes the Program
Google Ads Grant Campaigns for free education in IWAcademy
Social Media & LinkedIn Campaigns
Paid Advertising & Press Releases
Year-round promotion, with Increased Visibility During Women’s Month
Impact Measurement & Transparency
Metrics Used to Track Progress
Number of sponsored members
Growth & progress of sponsored businesses
Testimonials & success stories
(collected with consent)
Public Reporting
Annual Reports
Board Meetings & Website Updates
