Applications are now open for the 2025 Commonwealth Startup Fellowship, a six-month program aimed at empowering and advancing promising startups from low- and middle-income Commonwealth nations. This initiative combines immersive in-person experiences with virtual learning, offering participants critical skills, advanced insights, and access to a global network. The program, led by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and Imperial College London, seeks to equip entrepreneurs with the tools necessary to build successful businesses, scale operations efficiently, and contribute to job creation in their respective countries.

To qualify for the Fellowship, applicants must hold at least a graduate-level qualification and be citizens or individuals granted refugee status by eligible Commonwealth countries. They should also be permanent residents of these countries, fluent in both written and spoken English, and available to start the Fellowship as scheduled. Additionally, they must not have participated in a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship within the past five years.

Eligible entrepreneurs must also demonstrate clear evidence of innovation in their product, service, or market approach. Their startups should have been actively developing for at least six months, with visible commitment from team members. Candidates are expected to present a functional minimum viable product, service, or prototype, alongside significant customer engagement, such as early sales, pre-sales, signed contracts, or other proof of demand.

The Fellowship will support 20 early-stage startups, with one representative from each business required to attend a two-week intensive bootcamp in Accra, Ghana, scheduled for late March 2025. Outstanding participants may also be invited to London, United Kingdom, later in the year to attend a series of prestigious capstone events.

Each Fellowship offers financial support, including approved round-trip travel from the participant’s home country to Accra for the bootcamp, along with accommodations, meals, and transportation during the event. Fellows will also receive reimbursements for standard visa application fees and vaccination costs. Additionally, they will have access to a Fellow’s Grant Fund to cover expenses related to their business or program participation.

If a Fellow has a declared disability, the CSC will conduct a comprehensive needs assessment and provide additional financial support where necessary, ensuring inclusivity and equitable access to the program’s opportunities.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached to apply for this opportunity