Call for Applications: Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025 (Fully Funded Scholarship)

The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025 is a six-month program designed to support early-stage startups from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries. This initiative, a collaboration between the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and Imperial College London, aims to help entrepreneurs build successful businesses, expand their operations, and create jobs in their home countries.

Program Structure

The fellowship combines in-person experiences with online learning:

• Two-Week Bootcamp in Accra, Ghana: Scheduled for late March 2025, one representative from each selected startup will participate in an intensive bootcamp focusing on essential business skills and networking.
• Online Learning: Following the bootcamp, participants will engage in online workshops and coaching sessions to continue their development.
• Capstone Events in London: Outstanding startups may have the opportunity to attend events in London later in the year.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the fellowship, applicants must:

• Be at least at the graduate level.
• Be a citizen or have refugee status in an eligible low or middle-income Commonwealth country.
• Permanently reside in an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Be fluent in written and spoken English.
• Not have undertaken a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship within the last five years.
• Be available to participate from the prescribed start date.

Additionally, applicants should demonstrate:

• Innovation in product, service, or market.
• Active development for at least six months with committed team members.
• A working minimum viable product, service, or prototype.
• Evidence of customer engagement or traction, such as early sales or signed contracts.

Financial Support

Selected fellows will receive:

• Approved return travel to Accra, Ghana.
• Accommodation, travel, and catering during the bootcamp.
• Reimbursement of standard visa application fees and vaccination costs.
• Access to a Fellow’s Grant Fund for business-related expenses.
• Additional support for fellows with disabilities, as assessed by the CSC.

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Application Process

Applications are currently open. Interested entrepreneurs should complete the application form available on the official CSC website.

Application Deadlines

• Early Application Deadline: January 15, 2025.
• Final Application Deadline: February 17, 2025.

Eligible Countries

The fellowship is open to startups from various Commonwealth countries across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. A comprehensive list of eligible countries is available on the official CSC website.

Conclusion

The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025 offers a valuable opportunity for entrepreneurs in eligible countries to accelerate their startups, gain international exposure, and contribute to economic development in their regions. Interested applicants should review the eligibility criteria and apply before the deadlines.

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For more information and to apply, visit the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website.

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