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:
- Be of at least graduate level.;
- Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible low- or middle-income Commonwealth country;
- 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;
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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