Host Institution
Dunin-Deshpande Queen's Innovation Centre
Program Benefits
- **Business Bootcamp**: Delivered by Queen’s University faculty and industry experts with decades of combined entrepreneurship and executive-level experience.
- **Disciplined Entrepreneurship Framework**: A proven, step-by-step approach for scalable startups developed at MIT.
- **Pitch Coaching**: Guidance and mastery in delivering compelling business pitches.
- **Workshops**: Live sessions throughout the program covering topics like marketing, goal setting, and recruitment.
- **Micro-Credentials**: Participants can earn Entrepreneurship micro-credentials from Queen’s University upon successful course completion.
**Mentorship and Networking**
- Connect with mentors and speakers who are innovators and entrepreneurs across North America.
- Access Queen’s University’s global entrepreneurial alumni network.
- Join a cohort of like-minded students and graduates from across Africa.
- Fellows are paired with industry leaders and entrepreneurs in the final phase.
- Receive valuable feedback at key startup milestones.
**Financial Support and Opportunities**
- Up to 60 Fellows will receive a $500 CAD stipend in the final phase.
- Participants can compete for prizes of up to $15,000 CAD in the final pitch competition.
- Opportunities to visit the Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre to build lasting connections and advance your business venture.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Jim Leech Fellowship 2025, applicants must:
- Be students or recent graduates from any academic field at an African post-secondary institution.
- Be either working on a business or interested in starting a new venture.
- Be dedicated to developing their entrepreneurial mindset and utilizing the resources provided to build their enterprise.
The program is conducted online and can be completed at any pace, but the most dedicated participants are expected to commit at least 10 hours per week. Progress through the program is dependent on submitting assignments online and meeting strict deadlines.
The program is taught in English, with mentorship available in both English and French. Assignments and pitches must be completed in English. Applicants who are not proficient in English are encouraged to apply and form teams with someone who can meet the language requirements. They can also collaborate with their local university to access resources that help them overcome language barriers.