BOTOX® Cosmetic Expands Commitment to Female Empowerment with The Confidence Project for Women Entrepreneurs
In a bold move to champion female entrepreneurship and narrow the persistent confidence gap between men and women in business, Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie company (NYSE: ABBV), has announced the continued evolution of its celebrated initiative: The Confidence Project: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs. Anchored by BOTOX® Cosmetic, the program marks a significant step in empowering women to take control of their professional narratives and build enduring legacies through business ownership.
Beginning today and running through May 9, 2025, women business owners across the United States are invited to apply for the latest installment of this groundbreaking program. The initiative, housed under the broader vision of The Confidence Project, seeks to equip women with essential tools—mentorship, education, funding, and community support—that are critical for success in the often male-dominated entrepreneurial landscape.
A Continuing Mission Rooted in Impact
Since its inception in 2023, The Confidence Project has emerged as more than just a corporate social responsibility initiative. It has grown into a dynamic, multi-faceted empowerment platform that fuses capital access with confidence-building resources. In just two years, BOTOX® Cosmetic has awarded over $1 million in grants to more than 40 founders. But this year, the program is going even further—aiming to reach 250 promising entrepreneurs who will each receive a customized learning and support experience.
“At its core, The Confidence Project reflects our belief that self-assurance is foundational to personal and professional success,” said Nicole Katz, Vice President of Customer Engagement and Corporate Affairs at Allergan Aesthetics. “Whether it’s through aesthetic treatments, professional development, or building a business from the ground up, we believe confidence is a catalyst that can transform lives. We’re excited to invest in this new cohort of founders who are working tirelessly to make their visions a reality.”
Understanding the Confidence Gap—and Addressing It
The confidence gap—the persistent disparity between men’s and women’s perceived self-efficacy in the workplace—has been well-documented. While women are launching businesses at a faster rate than ever before, many continue to face systemic barriers to funding, mentorship, and growth opportunities. According to industry reports, over 70% of women business owners credit a mentor as being pivotal in their professional trajectory. Moreover, female entrepreneurs often reinvest earnings back into their families and communities, amplifying their impact far beyond personal success.
Despite these findings, the resources available to women founders remain disproportionately limited. For example, less than 2% of venture capital funding goes to women-led startups. This creates an enormous opportunity for private sector programs, like BOTOX® Cosmetic’s The Confidence Project, to step in and bridge the resource gap through meaningful, intentional investment.
The 2025 Confidence Project: What’s New This Year
The 2025 edition of The Confidence Project will introduce several enhancements designed to broaden access and deepen impact. This year’s program will provide 250 women entrepreneurs with entry into the “Boostcamp” program, developed in partnership with Hello Alice—an innovative digital platform that connects underrepresented founders with tools and networks tailored for small business growth.
The Boostcamp curriculum is designed to meet founders where they are, regardless of stage or sector. Participants will engage in immersive learning modules, mentorship sessions, and real-time feedback loops that hone critical business skills, such as fundraising strategies, leadership development, customer acquisition, and brand positioning. Through exclusive networking events, entrepreneurs will also gain exposure to a national network of like-minded peers and industry leaders—including aesthetic business professionals and executives from Allergan Aesthetics and Hello Alice.
Upon completing Boostcamp, each participant will have the opportunity to pitch their business to a panel of judges composed of seasoned entrepreneurs and business leaders. This pitch competition is more than a capstone exercise—it’s a real-world opportunity to secure one of twenty $20,000 grants provided by BOTOX® Cosmetic. Winners will be selected based on the creativity, scalability, and impact potential of their business models, as well as their demonstration of confidence, clarity, and purpose.
Hello Alice: A Strategic Ally in Small Business Success
The collaboration between BOTOX® Cosmetic and Hello Alice is a strategic alliance built on shared values of inclusion, empowerment, and innovation. Hello Alice, co-founded by Elizabeth Gore and Carolyn Rodz, has quickly become a go-to resource for early-stage founders, especially those from historically marginalized backgrounds.
“Our mission at Hello Alice is to democratize access to resources that fuel entrepreneurial success,” said Elizabeth Gore, Co-Founder and President of Hello Alice. “This partnership with BOTOX® Cosmetic offers more than just funding—it cultivates a pipeline of confident, capable, and connected business leaders. Together, we’re laying the groundwork for lasting generational change by investing in women today.”
How to Apply: Key Dates and Details
Interested applicants—whether solo founders or part of a co-founder team—can apply by visiting the official site at www.botoxcosmetic.com/realimpact. The application process is open from now until May 9, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Applicants must agree to the program’s terms and conditions and submit all required materials to be considered.
Selected participants will be notified in July 2025, with the 250 Boostcamp slots formally awarded at that time. The program will then commence, leading up to the pitch competition in the fall. Final grant recipients will be announced in October 2025.
Empowerment Beyond Aesthetics
For decades, BOTOX® Cosmetic has been one of the most recognized brands in the aesthetics space. But over the last several years, the brand has increasingly positioned itself as a champion of broader wellness, confidence, and empowerment. The Confidence Project is a natural extension of this evolution—an effort that elevates the conversation around beauty to include personal development, entrepreneurship, and economic mobility.
“True confidence isn’t about fitting into a mold—it’s about breaking barriers and owning your unique path,” added Katz. “With The Confidence Project, we’re investing in the dreams of women who are rewriting the rules of success and redefining what’s possible.”
A Call to Action for Future Founders
As the 2025 application cycle kicks off, BOTOX® Cosmetic is issuing a call to action for all aspiring and established women entrepreneurs: seize this opportunity to invest in yourself and your business. Whether you’re looking to scale a passion project, grow a brick-and-mortar venture, or bring a disruptive innovation to market, The Confidence Project offers not just resources—but a community of believers, advocates, and fellow dreamers.
In the words of one past grant recipient, “The Confidence Project didn’t just fund my business—it reignited my belief in what I could achieve.”
