Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship

The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship is designed to support African students and recent graduates in developing their entrepreneurial skills. Participants gain access to training, mentorship, and financial resources to help them launch or grow their ventures.

This prestigious fellowship offers $15,000 in prize money for top performers and a $500 stipend for all who complete the program.

Host: Mastercard Foundation

Category: Competitions

Eligible Countries: African Countries

Rewards: Up to $15,000 Cash Prize | Training | Mentorship

Deadline: December 4, 2024

Program Overview

The fellowship is structured to provide busy entrepreneurs with a flexible but rigorous schedule. Participants will receive expert guidance and practical advice from experienced mentors as they progress through the program. The fellowship is delivered online and allows participants to work at their own pace, though a commitment of at least 10 hours per week is recommended.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship 2025, applicants must:

• Be students or recent graduates from any African post-secondary institution.
• Be actively working on a business or looking to start a new venture.
• Demonstrate a commitment to developing their entrepreneurial mindset.
• Be prepared to complete assignments and pitches in English, with the option to collaborate with team members proficient in English if necessary.

Key Benefits of the Fellowship

1. Business Bootcamp
   • Led by Queen’s University faculty and industry leaders with extensive entrepreneurship and C-Suite experience.
2. Disciplined Entrepreneurship Framework
   • A step-by-step methodology for building scalable startups, developed at MIT.
3. Pitch Coaching and Mastery
   • Workshops on marketing, goal setting, and recruitment.
4. Micro-Credentials
   • Earn Entrepreneurship Micro-Credentials awarded by Queen’s University.
5. Mentorship & Networking
   • Connect with industry leaders in North America and build valuable relationships.
   • Join a network of like-minded students from across Africa.
   • Receive feedback on key startup milestones.
6. Financial Support
   • 60 Fellows will receive a $500 stipend.
   • Opportunity to pitch for prizes of up to $15,000 CAD in the final pitch competition.
   • Potential to travel to the Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre to expand business ventures.

How to Apply

1. Visit the Fellowship Webpage: Click the button below to access the official application page.
2. Application Deadline: Applications for the 2025 cohort close on December 4, 2024.

Apply Here