Commonwealth Startup Fellowships 2026

About

The Commonwealth Startup Fellowships 2026 offers a unique opportunity for high-potential entrepreneurs from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries to accelerate their startups through expert-led training, mentorship, and financial support, culminating in a fully funded bootcamp in Accra, Ghana, and a chance to pitch to investors in London.https: www.imperialenterpriselab.com/programmes/commonwealth-startup-fellowship

Benefits

• 🎓Training & Mentorship
  Access to expert-led training
• 🎓Training & Mentorship
  Mentorship and peer learning opportunities
• 🤝Networking Opportunities
  International networking opportunities
• 💰Financial Support
  Financial support through the Fellows Fund offering a total of £35,000 in equity-free grants
• 💰Financial Support
  Up to £2,000 to cover business-related expenses
• 🎓Training & Mentorship
  Participation in a fully funded two-week bootcamp in Accra, Ghana
• 🎤Publicity Opportunities
  Opportunity to pitch to investors and industry leaders at a Capstone event in London

Eligibility Criteria

• 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 of at least graduate level
• Be fluent in written and spoken English
• Not have undertaken a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship within the last five years
• Your startup must be a registered business in your respective country
• Evidence of innovation, in terms of product, service, or market
• Active development for at least six months and demonstrable commitment from team members
• A working minimum viable product, service, and/or prototype
• Significant evidence of customer engagement or traction

Participation Commitments

• Attend a two-week bootcamp in Accra, Ghana
• Engage in monthly 1-2-1 business coaching
• Participate in monthly peer-to-peer meetings
• Complete ongoing online support with business coaching and expert-led sessions
• Be available to undertake the fellowship from the prescribed start date

Target Region

Global

Target Sector

All sectors