Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship for Young Entrepreneurs

Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship — offers young African entrepreneurs support, training and financial backing

The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship 2025 is now accepting applications.

This exciting programme offers African students and recent graduates the chance to develop entrepreneurial skills and create their own ventures.

Participants will receive training, resources and financial support through an 8-month programme aimed at nurturing future business leaders.

Programme Structure

The fellowship is divided into three online courses.

Each course helps you build a strong foundation in entrepreneurship.

You will receive virtual coaching and develop your own business idea.

Those who demonstrate commitment can progress to the next course.

Fellowship Benefits

The programme provides many benefits to those who are willing to fully participate.

Best-in-Class Training

• Business bootcamp taught by Queen's University faculty and industry experts
• Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework, developed at MIT, which is a step-by-step method for startups
• Pitch coaching to refine your presentation skills
• Live workshops on marketing, goal setting and recruiting
• Micro-credentials in entrepreneurship awarded by Queen's University upon course completion

Mentorship and Networking

• Access mentors and speakers from the entrepreneurial community in North America
• Join a global network of Queen's entrepreneurial alumni
• Connect with fellow participants from across Africa
• Matched to industry leaders and entrepreneurs in the final phase of the programme
• Receive feedback at key business milestones

Financial Support and Opportunities

• Up to 60 fellows will receive a $500 CAD stipend
• Pitch competition prizes of up to $15,000 CAD
• Opportunity to travel to Queen's Innovation Centre in Canada to build connections

Fellowship Eligibility

The programme is open to students and recent graduates from African universities.

No matter your academic discipline, you can apply whether you have an existing business or want to start a new one.

Participants should be committed to developing an entrepreneurial mindset.

The programme is virtual and you can complete it at your own pace.

The most dedicated participants spend at least 10 hours each week on their projects.

Language Requirements

The programme is delivered in English, with mentorship available in English and French.

Assignments and pitches must be completed in English, but prospective fellows can work with a partner or their local university to overcome language challenges.

Application Timeline

Applications close on 4 December 2024 at 12:59 PM EST.

The fellowship is divided into three phases:

1. Explore Entrepreneurship – January to February 2025
2. Ignite Entrepreneurship – March to April 2025
3. Launch Entrepreneurship – May to August 2025

To apply, visit the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship application page.

For more details, visit the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship website.

This is a chance for you to build the confidence, network and knowledge to turn your ideas into reality.

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This post is authored by Olusegun Fapohunda, the founder and editor of MySchoolGist.

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