Applications are now open for the 2025 Commonwealth Startup Fellowship.
The goal of the six-month Commonwealth Startup Fellowship is to support and develop high-potential businesses in Commonwealth nations with low and moderate incomes. The program combines online learning with immersive in-person events to give learners cutting-edge information, critical skills, and a strong worldwide network.
By the end of the program, entrepreneurs should be prepared to launch successful companies, scale operations efficiently, and create jobs back home, according to the CSC and Imperial College London.
Fellow Eligibility
To be eligible for these Fellowships, prospective Fellows must:
• Have at least a bachelor’s degree;
• Be a citizen of or have received refugee status from a low- or middle-income Commonwealth nation;
• Be a permanent resident of a Commonwealth nation that qualifies;
• Have no outstanding Commonwealth Professional Fellowships from the previous five years (at the time of accepting the award);
• Speak and write English fluently.
• Be ready to begin their fellowship on the designated start day.
In addition, they must demonstrate:
• A working minimum viable “product,” service, or prototype;
• Active development for at least six months and clear team commitment;
• Proof of innovation in terms of product, service, or market
• Early sales or pre-sales are important indicators of client involvement or traction. signed contracts, evidence of demand or interest, or other pertinent documentation.
Benefits
Twenty early-stage start-ups will be gathered as a cohort. At the end of March 2025, one representative from each company must be able to travel to Accra, Ghana, for a two-week bootcamp.Later in the year, representatives from exceptional organizations may have the opportunity to visit London, UK, for a number of thrilling capstone events.
Financial assistance
• Permitted return travel from the Fellow’s nation of residence to Accra, Ghana, for the in-person bootcamp.
• Transportation, lodging, and meals during the in-person bootcamp in Accra, Ghana.
• Payment of the regular application fee for a visa.
• Access to a Fellow’s Grant Fund for expenses associated with participation or business; reimbursement of vaccine costs
• The CSC will provide a thorough evaluation of needs and eligibility for additional financial help if a Fellow reports a disability.
Eligible Countries
Bangladesh
Belize
Botswana
Cameroon
Dominica
Eswatini
Fiji
Gabon
The Gambia
Ghana
Grenada
Guyana
India
Jamaica
Kenya
Kiribati
Lesotho
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Mauritius
Montserrat
Mozambique
Namibia
Nauru
Nigeria
Pakistan
Papua New Guinea
Rwanda
St Helena
St Lucia
St Vincent and The Grenadines
Samoa
Sierra Leone
Solomon Islands
South Africa
Sri Lanka
Tanzania
Togo
Tonga
Tuvalu
Uganda
Vanuatu
Zambia
Method of Application
Applications for Commonwealth Startup Fellowships are now open. You can access the application form: https://fs29.formsite.com/m3nCYq/3uxcludtoh/login
Application Deadline: January 15, 2025.
Join our WhatsApp group for more: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LFQhJxtqEnMCpuHRgKlOXt