The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship empowers African students and recent graduates to build scalable ventures that generate social and financial impact. Over eight months, participants receive world-class training, mentorship, networking opportunities, and funding support—all delivered virtually.
Benefits of the Program
- Structured Training
Fellows follow the Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework (MIT-based), guided by Queen’s University faculty and industry experts. Workshops, bootcamps, pitch coaching, and live sessions sharpen business skills. - Mentorship & Network
You’ll connect with seasoned entrepreneurs, innovation leaders, and Queen’s alumni. In the final stage, fellows are paired with mentors to refine strategies and validate business models. - Financial Support
Up to 60 fellows may receive a stipend of CAD 500 during the final phase. Also, finalists compete for prizes up to CAD 15,000 via a pitch competition. - Global Exposure
Some fellows are invited to visit the Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre (DDQIC)—a hub where you can build connections, gain visibility, and accelerate your venture.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a current student or recent graduate from an African post-secondary institution (any discipline).
- You may already have a venture or be at idea stage. The program supports both.
- Must commit to at least 10 hours per week and complete assignments to advance through phases.
- Courses and pitches must be conducted in English. Mentorship may also be available in French. If you’re not English fluent, you can team up with someone who is.
How to Apply
- Visit the official application page on the Queen’s University site.
- Complete the online form and submit required documents (CV, proposal, etc.).
- Submit before the deadline: December 15, 2025.
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