A 6-month entrepreneurial journey to let you create the world in which you aspire to live
A 6-month entrepreneurial journey to let you create the world in which you aspire to live
Let's talk Gender. Gender in all its forms, in all its aspirations and in all its challenges. Let’s talk about changing our narratives.
Let's talk about changing Switzerland, a country still ranked 22th in Europe in regard to LGBTIQ+ legal rights. Where women are still earning 20% less than men and still bearing most of the burden of child care. Where the unemployment rate of transgender people is 10 times higher than the average. Where same-sex couples cannot get married and founding a family remains challenging. Where intersex, asexual or aromantic people are still unknown to the majority of the population. Where pleasure and sexuality remains male-centered. A society where 19% of women have had non-consensual sex.
#STOP&LOOKAHEAD
Let’s make Gender the revolution it needs to be in Switzerland! Across industries and across communities. At BØWIE, we are convinced that we can collectively harness our creativity, passion and fearlessness and create a society where inclusion is truly lived, not only talked about.
Are you passionate about gender and about social change? Do you have an idea or a project designed to make Switzerland more inclusive for EVERYONE ? Let's be bold together.
It’s not always easy to know where to start. For this reason, we've designed an easy fo follow, step-by-step process. This 6-month programme entails custom one-to-one coaching, national community events, workshops, inspiration and networking opportunities. You're not 100% sure about your idea? You don't have previous entrepreneurial experience? Don’t worry, we've broken down all necessary steps for an impactful project and will lead you smoothly along that learning curve.
Always know your next step with our carefully designed and fully custom 6-month programme.
Acquire valuable skills (in comms, marketing, social media, public relations, video, team management, fundraising, etc.) that will allow you to have the impact that you have always dreamed of.
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Get into the experimental mindset, master key tools and reach tangible results.
You're not 100% sure about your idea and don't have previous entrepreneurial experience? No worries! You're an accomplished entrepreneur but wishes to take your project to the next level? Sounds good! We've designed an easy to follow, step-by-step process adapted to each of the participants. This 6-month programme entails custom one-to-one coaching, national community events, workshops, inspiration and networking opportunities. We've broken down all necessary steps for an impactful project and will lead you smoothly along that learning curve.
Create the work environment that works for you and boost your productivity.
You will never be alone throughout this journey, as a dedicated coach will provide feedback and guidance every step of the way. Design with them a 100% custom coaching experience - whereas it's in your pyjamas at home on Skype or WhatsApp, or in person around a warm cup of coffee -everything is possible ! We are dedicated to helping you achieve your ambitions while respecting your work process.
Create the work environment that works for you and boost your productivity.
Welcome home! Always find the support, the inspiration and this extra motivation boost you need from your BØWIE community. Each month, meet up with the other participants, our team and Gender+ experts to fuel your inspiration and help you bring your project even further. #strongertogether
Create the work environment that works for you and boost your productivity.
In 6 months you could still be thinking about how the world should change or you could have:
A big brother/big sister program for LGBTQ youth that revolves around food and cooking to fight social isolation
Discover
A barbershop/hair salon with prices and haircuts that can suit everybody to help people become who they really are
Discover
Theme evenings on gender inclusion and LGBTI+ themes in emergency youth shelters
Discover
Personal conversations around feminism, told on Sarah's microphone to give people a voice and space, regardless of their identity or sexual orientation
Discover
A digital platform and a community with a mission to promote personal and social development for young women through storytelling
Discoverinto the world of:
Well-Being
Education
Law
Arts
Charity
Web
Fashion
Health
Tech
What do YOU want to change?
Workshops and resources to raise awareness about weight stigma in Switzerland.
A subscription service for businesses and schools that allows them to provide free menstrual products to their employees and students.
A performance in the form of a moaning choir about sexual violence in heterosexual* relationships.
A poster campaign and testimonials to provide positive visibility to LGBTIQ+ couples and families in the public space
A photo exhibition with interactive performances to deconstruct gender stereotypes and allow alternative representations of women* and non-binary people.
An illustrated children's book in which we follow the adventures and discoveries of a young transgender frog.
Chloé, Zoë and Bruno organized a photo exhibition to provide positive visibility to LGBTIQ+ couples and families in the public space
Melanie is raising awareness about weight stigma in Switzerland through workshops and educational materials creation.
Anaïs wrote and designed an illustrated children's book in which we follow the adventures and discoveries of a young transgender frog.
Valerie created a photo exhibition with interactive performances to deconstruct gender stereotypes and allow alternative representations of women* and non-binary people.
Emily launched a subscription service for businesses and schools that allows them to provide free menstrual products to their employees and students.
Amanda created a performance in the form of a moaning choir denouncing sexual violence in heterosexual* relationships.
Keep me informed about 2021Apply to BØWIEOur alumni say it better than we do!
Our dream was to see BØWIE accessible to all.
Thanks to the generous support of our contributors, we were able to completely waive the participation fees of CHF 12'000 for each of our incubated project.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? We're happy to help! Simply write to us at bowie@beyounetwork.org
Our team is monitoring the current situation with Covid-19 very closely. We have the safety of our participants and our team at heart and we put it as priority no. 1.
Don't worry: BØWIE 2020 will take place! The launch event on May 16-17, 2020 will be held online, so that each participant, each partner and each member of the BØWIE team can fully benefit from it without taking any risks. In case the containment measures should still be in force beyond the launch event, the following events and the coaching will be moved online as well.
Our team has already organised online workshops and coaching in the past. We promise to do our very best to adapt the programme and support each of you in the best possible way so that your BØWIE experience is as BOLD, OPEN, WILD, INNOVATIVE and EMPOWERING as possible!
Is it the right context for you to launch your project? For many, staying at home for days is anxiety-inducing, isolating and quite boring. The good news is: nowadays, with technology, you can be productive and create social change from home! With BØWIE, impact can be achieved anywhere. All you need is an idea to get you started. Are you ready to connect with the community and create the change you want to see?
The deadline for submitting your project remains unchanged: April 15, 2020 via this link.
We will communicate regularly about the situation on social media. You can follow our accounts to stay updated: Facebook and Instagram
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out: bowie@beyounetwork.org or +41 78 822 95 96 (call or Whatsapp). We are here for you ❤️
We know that many everyday routines have been challenged due to the response to Covid-19. Events have been cancelled, some must continue to work, finding clients can be more challenging for entrepreneurs and freelancers, childcare is increasingly difficult. In these trying times, please get help by checking out the resources available below:
For all support
For cultural actors
For small businesses
BØWIE 2020 will officially start on the 16-17th of May with its national Launch Event. Given the Covid-19 situation, the event will take place online. Don't worry if you're not at ease with technology: our team will assist you with any technical needs or questions to ensure a smooth experience for everyone.
However, to be part of BØWIE, it is important to submit your project before April 15th, through this link.
The next deadline to submit your project is April 15, 2020. You can apply here.
Gender is ingrained in so many different areas of society that there is no one way to tackle change. This is why we welcome and encourage projects:
1. Focusing on all Gender+ topics: Gender identities / Sexual and Romantic orientations / Gender expressions / Physical characteristics / Feminism & Equality. For more information about the 11 themes on which we focus, see our Manifesto.
2. From all fields: Culture / Education / Work / Fashion / Technology / Photography / Health / Sport...
3. At all stages:
- You only have an idea? No problem! You do not need to have a well-crafted project to get started. Your personal Coach and the BØWIE Community will help you turn it into a concrete project.
- You have already started your project? Excellent! Your personal Coach and the BØWIE Community will help you take it to the next level and make it skyrocket!
4. With all revenue models: non-profit and for-profit projects
5. With an impact in Switzerland: Your project must have an impact in Switzerland. It can, however, take place at any scale: At a national level / in your city / region / school / University / company / sports club / online
6. In line with the 5 BØWIE values: BØWIE stands for Bold, Øpen, Wild, Innovative and Empowering. Those are the values we are looking for in each of the projects we support. Not quite there yet? Don't worry, our mission is to help you achieve those goals! Learn more about each value in our Manifesto.
Once you have filled out the Project Submission form, you will receive a confirmation email. You will be informed during the week of April 20th if your project has been selected to join BØWIE.
We will then be looking forward to meeting you for the Launch Event on the 16-17th of May (the event will take place online given the Covid-19 situation)!
This year, we are looking for projects that will have an impact in primarily the following cities: Geneva, Lausanne, Bern and Zürich.
However, all of the projects will be following the same programme and all of the events will bring together the different projects, no matter where they are based. The different events will move around Switzerland. You can find out where each of them will be, in the programme.
We want to make BØWIE as accessible as possible. Therefore, we will adapt it as much as possible to fit your schedule. For example, you will be able to decide with your coach how frequently you will have your sessions and how you would like to do them (video-chat, in person, WhatsApp).
However, in order to benefit to the max of BØWIE, we highly recommend that you try to participate in the monthly events that are organized. Find out more, by checking out the programme.
BØWIE is a national programme and, unfortunately, the best way to make it accessible for people from the different Swiss regions is to have a programme that is mainly in English. However, the BØWIE Community is multilingual and so it will be possible to speak in our 3 (maybe 4?!) national languages with the other participants!
L’anglais est compliqué pour toi? Contacte-nous pour qu'on trouve une solution ensemble: bowie@beyounetwork.org
Englisch ist schwierig für dich? Kontaktiere uns, damit wir eine Lösung finden können: bowie@beyounetwork.org
Yes. At BØWIE, we do our best to ensure that all our activities are accessible to everyone. For this reason:
- All our activities take place in wheelchair accessible locations
- We offer remote coaching (written, video or audio) for people who would be uncomfortable speaking face-to-face or attend events physically
- Upon request, we can provide sign language interpreters (LSF or DGS)
- All snacks and food are adapted to participants’ special diets
Don't hesitate to contact us if you have specific needs. Our team would be happy to keep improving BØWIE's accessibility and make it the perfect experience for you.
Of course! With its custom 1-to-1 coaching, BØWIE is highly adaptable to the stage of your project and to its specific needs.
Here are just some examples of things that the programme can help you with:
- organize and (re)focus your strategy
- improve your website and boost your traffic
- improve your conversion rates
- grow your prospect list and customer base
- increase your sales
- improve your financing strategy
- master your pitch
The goal of BØWIE is to help you put your project together, give it a great boost and have a long-term impact! Yes, the regular coaching will end after the 6 months, but never fear!
During your last coaching session, a clear roadmap post-BØWIE will be defined with your coach and you will still have your Board of Advisors for support. Also, you will always be part of the BØWIE Community to which you can turn to for guidance :-)
The term “gender+” refers to an inclusive vision of gender, which goes beyond equality between women and men by including the diversity of gender identities, sexual and romantic orientations, gender expressions and variations in biological sex characteristics.
Your 30-day entrepreneurial journey
