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The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship empowers African students and recent graduates with access to training, resources, financial support, and mentorship to help them develop their entrepreneurial skills and launch their ventures. Fellows also get the opportunity to pitch for prizes of up to $15,000 CAD during the pitch competition and receive a $500 CAD stipend at the end of the program.
Fellowship Overview
The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship is designed to help aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs gain the knowledge, network, and tools they need to succeed — all while balancing their academic or professional commitments. One of the standout features of this fellowship is the direct access to experienced coaches and mentors who provide practical guidance and real-world insights to help participants grow their enterprises.
Eligibility Requirements for the Jim Leech Fellowship 2026
To be eligible for the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship, applicants must:
1. Be students or recent graduates from any post-secondary institution in Africa and from any academic discipline.
2. Be working on a business idea or planning to start a new venture.
3. Be committed to developing their entrepreneurial mindset and leveraging the fellowship’s resources to grow their enterprise.
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Program Delivery:
* The program is fully virtual and self-paced. However, participants are expected to dedicate at least 10 hours per week to the coursework and assignments.
* To progress through the phases, participants must complete and submit assignments online within the given deadlines.
* All program content is delivered in English (mentorship may be offered in English and French).
* Assignments and pitches must be completed in English. Applicants who are not fluent in English are encouraged to form teams with members who can fulfill the program’s requirements in English or work with their universities for language support.
Benefits of the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship
1. Entrepreneurship Training and Support
- Intensive business boot camp delivered by Queen’s University faculty and industry leaders with decades of experience.
- Based on the Disciplined Entrepreneurship Framework, a proven startup model developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
- Pitch coaching and mastery sessions to prepare fellows for competitions and fundraising.
- Live workshops on marketing, goal setting, and team building.
- Earn micro-credentials in Entrepreneurship from Queen’s University upon successful completion.
2. Mentorship and Networking
- Connect with mentors and speakers leading innovation and entrepreneurship across North America.
- Access a global network of Queen’s University’s entrepreneurial alumni.
- Join a cohort of thousands of African students and graduates passionate about entrepreneurship.
- Get matched to industry leaders and entrepreneurs in the program’s final phase.
- Receive continuous feedback and support at key startup milestones.
3. Financial Support and Global Opportunities
- Up to 60 fellows will receive a $500 CAD stipend in the final phase.
- Fellows can pitch for prizes of up to $15,000 CAD in the final pitch competition.
- Selected participants may also travel to the Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Center in Canada to build lasting professional connections.
How to Apply
To apply for the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship, interested and qualified candidates should:
1. Visit the Official Fellowship Webpage and click on the application link provided on the fellowship’s website.
2. Complete the Online Application, providing accurate personal, academic, and business details.
3. Submit Before the Deadline
Applications for the 2025 cohort close on December 4, 2024.