The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship is an exciting new initiative designed to support high-potential startups from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries. This six-month program, a collaboration between the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and Imperial College London, aims to equip entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge, and networks they need to build thriving businesses and drive job creation in their home countries. Here are the details.
Commonwealth Startup Fellowship Key Features
1. Duration and Structure:
The fellowship runs for six months and combines immersive in-person experiences with online learning. It kicks off with a two-week bootcamp in Accra, Ghana, followed by ongoing remote support.
A cohort of 20 early stage start-ups will be recruited. One person from each business must be available to attend a two-week bootcamp in Accra, Ghana at the end of March 2025. There is also the possibility for representatives from outstanding organisations to travel to London in the UK later in the year for a series of exciting capstone events.
2. Target Participants:
The program is open to early-stage startups from eligible Commonwealth countries. Each selected startup must have a working minimum viable product, evidence of customer engagement, and a committed team.
3. Program Content:
Participants will engage in workshops on leadership, scaling businesses, fundraising, and sales, as well as explore the Ghanaian entrepreneurial ecosystem. They will also receive monthly business coaching, peer-to-peer meetings, and expert-led sessions.
Benefits
1. Financial Support
Selected startups can apply for equity-free grants from the Fellowes Fund to cover business-related costs. Additionally, standout participants will have the opportunity to pitch to investors and industry leaders during a capstone event in London.
2.Learning Outcomes
By the end of the program, participants will refine their business plans, develop go-to-market strategies, enhance team dynamics, and build resilience. They will also gain a deeper understanding of local and global entrepreneurial ecosystems and develop compelling brands and sales strategies.
3. Networking Opportunities
The fellowship offers a unique opportunity to connect with a global network of mentors and entrepreneurs, gain tailored coaching, and access financial support to scale your business. It's designed to help you overcome barriers and achieve sustainable growth.
Funding Details
Each Fellowship provides:
Approved return travel from the Fellow’s home country to the in-person bootcamp in Accra, Ghana.
Accommodation, travel and catering for the duration of the in-person bootcamp in Accra, Ghana.
Reimbursement of the standard visa application fee.
Reimbursement of vaccination costs
Access to a Fellow’s Grant Fund for business or participation-related costs
If a Fellow declares a disability, a full assessment of needs and eligibility for additional financial support will be offered by the CSC.
Commonwealth Startup Fellowship Eligibility
Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of eligible Commonwealth countries (see here)
Startup Stage: Only early-stage startups with a working minimum viable product and evidence of customer engagement are eligible.
Team Commitment: Startups must have a committed team ready to participate fully in the program.
Be of at least graduate level
Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country;
Be fluent in written and spoken English.
Not have undertaken a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship within the last five years (at the time of taking up the award)
Be available to undertake their fellowship from the prescribed start date .
Significant evidence of customer engagement or traction in the form of early sales or pre-sales . proof of interest or demand, signed contracts or other relevant evidence.
Evidence of innovation, in terms of product, service, or market
Active development for at least six-months and demonstrable commitment from team members.
How to Apply?
Applications for Commonwealth Startup Fellowships are now open. You can access the application form here.
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