ERBIL, IRAQ
Iraq Vortex Beauty Expo has officially announced the launch of VORTEX HER™, a new flagship initiative designed to support Iraqi women in transforming promising ideas into sustainable businesses and competitive brands within the beauty industry.
Under the slogan “Empowering Women. Creating Brands.”, VORTEX HER™ represents a long-term commitment by Iraq Vortex Beauty Expo to entrepreneurship, innovation and women-led economic development in Iraq.
The initiative will focus on women entrepreneurs and aspiring founders working across beauty, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, fragrance, personal care, wellness, salons, beauty technology and related sectors.
From an Idea to the Market
VORTEX HER™ has been structured around a clear development journey:
Inspire → Educate → Mentor → Fund → Launch → Grow
Rather than focusing solely on financial support, the initiative aims to address some of the most important challenges facing emerging entrepreneurs, including access to business knowledge, professional mentorship, industry networks, market opportunities and potential funding.
Participants will have opportunities to develop their ideas, strengthen their business models, connect with experienced professionals and industry leaders, and gain greater exposure to the Iraqi beauty market.
Each edition of the program will ultimately select three outstanding Iraqi women-led projects for dedicated support, while leading applicants will have the opportunity to participate in the broader VORTEX HER™ development journey and present their concepts to partners, industry leaders and potential investors.
Creating Businesses, Brands and Economic Impact
VORTEX HER™ forms part of the wider vision of Iraq Vortex Beauty Expo to become more than an international trade exhibition.
The Expo aims to create an ecosystem connecting international companies, Iraqi businesses, professionals, entrepreneurs, investors and emerging talent while contributing to the long-term development of Iraq’s beauty and personal care industry.
Commenting on the initiative, Shwan Wandawi, Founder of Iraq Vortex Beauty Expo, said:“Across Iraq, there are talented women with ideas, creativity and ambition. What many need is access to knowledge, mentorship, networks, markets and investment. VORTEX HER™ was created to help bridge that gap and turn potential into real businesses and Iraqi brands.”
He added:
“Empowering women is not simply about creating opportunities. It is about creating businesses, brands, jobs and long-term economic impact.”
An Invitation to the Private Sector
Iraq Vortex Beauty Expo is also inviting banks, telecommunications companies, beauty brands, corporations, investors, financial institutions and CSR partners to participate in and support the initiative.
Through strategic partnerships and private-sector involvement, VORTEX HER™ aims to create stronger pathways between promising women entrepreneurs and the resources required to bring their businesses to market.
The initiative also provides companies with an opportunity to contribute directly to entrepreneurship and economic development while supporting the emergence of a new generation of Iraqi women-led businesses.
Further information regarding applications, eligibility criteria, partnerships, selection procedures and the official VORTEX HER™ program timeline will be announced in the next phase.
VORTEX HER™
Empowering Women. Creating Brands.™
Powered by Iraq Vortex Beauty Expo
