Commonwealth Startups Fellowship Program for Early Stage Startups £35k Grants)

The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship is a six-month programme is designed to fuel high-potential startups through intensive in-person and online learning. You’ll gain essential skills, tailored coaching, and access to a powerful global network to help you overcome barriers and scale up your business.

The programme begins with a fully funded two-week bootcamp in Accra, Ghana, plus ongoing online support with business coaching, expert-led sessions, and valuable peer connections.

One founder from each selected team will participate in-person, while co-founders and team members can access the remote portion, connecting with global mentors and industry experts from across the Commonwealth.

Program Overview:

• Duration: Six months, commencing in March 2025.
• Structure: A blend of immersive in-person experiences and online learning, including:
  • Two-Week Bootcamp: A fully funded intensive session in Accra, Ghana, focusing on leadership, scaling strategies, team building, fundraising, and sales.
  • Online Support: Ongoing business coaching, expert-led sessions, and peer networking to address specific business challenges.
  • Capstone Event: Select participants may be invited to London, UK, for a capstone event featuring investor pitches and networking opportunities.
• Financial Support: Access to an equity-free Fellows Fund of £35,000 to support business-related expenses.

Fellow Eligibility

To be eligible for these Fellowships, prospective Fellows must:

1. Be of at least graduate level.;
2. Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible low- or middle-income Commonwealth country;
3. Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country;
4. Be fluent in written and spoken English.
5. Not have undertaken a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship within the last five years (at the time of taking up the award);
6. Be available to undertake their fellowship from the prescribed start date;

In addition, they must demonstrate

• Evidence of innovation, in terms of product, service, or market
• Active development for at least six-months and demonstrable commitment from team members
• A working minimum viable ‘product’, service and/or prototype
• 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.

Eligible Countries for Commonwealth Startup Fellowship

The program is open to startups from various Commonwealth countries across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. A comprehensive list of eligible countries is available on the official CSC website.

Application Process:

• Application Form: Interested startups can apply for the fellowship here.
• Application Deadline: 30th, June 2025.

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