The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on entrepreneurship gives you the confidence, resources, knowledge, network, and financial support to build a startup with an impact. This is for you if you are an African student and / or recent graduate with a desire to solve pressing problems and bring entrepreneurial ideas to life.
About Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship
The fellowship program combines students and recent grads (with a willingness to learn, take risks, and commit themselves fully) with best-in-class entrepreneurship training from the Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre. Through the fellowship, the foundation expects to birth leaders with the exceptional entrepreneurial skillset and mindset to drive social and financial impact.
The training will be delivered virtually through an online learning platform. Prospective fellows will receive access to the online learning platform where they will complete the video training and readings at their own pace. In order to demonstrate their commitment to the entrepreneurship training and their progress on building a venture, prospective fellows will submit assignments online, adhering to strict deadlines.
Program Timeline
This Fellowship project is in 3 phases:
Phase 1
This phase runs from December 2021 to February 2022. The total number of participants is 1,000 from all the universities participating in the African Mastercard Foundation Scholars program. 1,000 participants will be selected based on the application that is closing on the 30th November 2021. This phase consists of experiential entrepreneurship training and idea exploration work from step 0-11 of the Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework.
Candidates will have several months to demonstrate their commitment to the entrepreneurial process by completing the training and progressing on their ideas’ respective milestones.
Phase 2
This phase runs from February 2022 to April 2022. The total number of participants or ideas is 30. These 30 participants or ideas will be selected based on the final assignment delivery of phase one. The program team will shortlist the most feasible, strongest submissions solving real challenges in their regions, countries, Africa or globally. This phase consists of experiential entrepreneurship training and idea exploration work from step 12-24 of the Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework
At the end of this phase, the participants will pitch their ideas and compete for the fellowship. The most advanced and promising business ideas will become the finalists who receive the fellowship.
Phase 3
This phase runs from April 2022 to August 2022. The total number of participants or ideas is 15. These 15 participants or ideas will receive selection based on the final assignment delivery at the end of phase two. The most feasible, strongest submissions solving really challenges in their regions, countries, Africa or globally will be the ones to be shortlisted and recommended to be the 2022 Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellows. This phase consists of the company creation process, financial incentives, mentorship, pitch presentation and many more resources.
In addition, Fellows will receive a $500 stipend and dedicated coaches and mentors from DDQIC’s Global Network of industry experts and entrepreneurs.
Graduation Date
The graduation will in August 2022. Startup entrepreneurs (Fellows) will complete their incubation program at the end of August 2022. After graduation, Fellows will continue to receive post-incubation services, supports, and pitch competition opportunities as part of DDQIC’s network. Fellows will receive invitation to participate as ambassadors and mentors for future Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowships as well.
How to apply for Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship
To submit your application, visit https://queensu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_a9Rt3D6OFjFb3sG.
For more information on the fellowship, visit the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship Programme on Entrepreneurship’s website.
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