The 2025 Commonwealth Startup Fellowship is a six-month program to support and elevate high-potential startups from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries. This initiative, a collaboration between the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and Imperial College London, combines immersive in-person experiences with online learning to equip entrepreneurs with essential skills, cutting-edge knowledge, and a robust global network.
Program Structure:
- In-Person Bootcamp: A two-week intensive session in Accra, Ghana, scheduled for late March 2025, focusing on hands-on training, workshops, and networking.
- Online Learning: Ongoing virtual support, including coaching and workshops, from April to September 2025, addressing various business challenges and facilitating continuous development.
- Capstone Events: Opportunities for outstanding participants to attend events in London, UK, later in the year, providing exposure to global markets and investors.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must:
- Possess at least a graduate-level education.
- 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 when taking up the award.
- Be available to commence the fellowship on the prescribed start date.
Additionally, applicants should demonstrate:
- Innovation in product, service, or market.
- Active development for at least six months with demonstrable commitment from team members.
- A working minimum viable product, service, or prototype.
- Significant evidence of customer engagement or traction, such as early sales, pre-sales, proof of interest or demand, signed contracts, or other relevant indicators.
Benefits:
- Participation in a two-week boot camp in Accra, Ghana, with all associated costs covered.
- Potential selection for capstone events in London, UK, offering further exposure and networking opportunities.
- Financial assistance, including:
- Approved return travel from the Fellow’s home country to Accra, Ghana.
- Accommodation, travel, and catering during the boot camp.
- Reimbursement of standard visa application fees and vaccination costs.
- Access to a Fellow’s Grant Fund for business or participation-related expenses.
- Additional financial support for fellows declaring a disability, following a full assessment of needs by the CSC.
How to Apply
- Application Period: Open from December 18, 2024.
- Early Application Deadline: January 15, 2025.
- Final Application Deadline: February 9, 2025.
- Notification of Offers: February 21, 2025.
Interested candidates can access the application form here: Application Form
Eligible Countries:
The fellowship is open to citizens or residents of the following eligible low and middle-income Commonwealth countries:
- Africa: Botswana, Cameroon, Eswatini, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia.
- Asia: Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka.
- Caribbean & Americas: Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & The Grenadines.
- Pacific: Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.
Additional Information:
- The CSC is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination, encouraging applications from diverse candidates.
- Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and will receive appropriate support and adjustments.
- Personal information provided during the application process will be used to conduct necessary due diligence checks to the CSC’s satisfaction.
For more detailed information, including frequently asked questions and general conditions, please visit the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission page: Commonwealth Startup Fellowship – Information for Candidates
This fellowship presents a unique opportunity for emerging entrepreneurs to gain valuable skills, expand their networks, and drive economic growth within their home countries.
