Applications Open for 2025 Commonwealth Startup Fellowship: A Fully Funded Opportunity for Young Entrepreneurs
Are you an early-stage founder with a game-changing idea? Here’s your chance to scale with global support.
Overview: A Launchpad for Ambitious Startups Across the Commonwealth
Applications are now officially open for the 2025 Commonwealth Startup Fellowship, a fully funded six-month programme designed to empower young businesses in Commonwealth countries — especially those in low and middle-income nations.
Running from November 2025, the programme will provide selected startups with expert coaching, mentorship, global exposure, and access to grant funding — all at no cost to participants.
Table of Contents
- What the Fellowship Offers
- Financial Support Available
- Eligibility Criteria
- How to Apply
What the Fellowship Offers
The 2025 cohort kicks off with a two-week in-person bootcamp in Accra, Ghana, bringing together founders from across the Commonwealth. One founder per selected startup will attend the bootcamp physically, while co-founders and other team members can participate virtually.
The programme is tailored to help startups grow faster and stronger through:
- Expert-led virtual sessions
- 1-on-1 mentorship from industry professionals
- Interactive peer learning with fellow founders
This isn’t just about learning — it’s about launching your startup to the next level.
Financial Support Available
Participants will have access to a shared £35,000 Fellows Fund, offering non-repayable grants to help cover critical business needs like:
- Product development
- Marketing efforts
- Hiring and team support
Importantly, this funding does not require equity or repayment. It’s designed to help founders move from prototype to product-market fit.
Top-performing fellows will also be invited to London, UK, for a Capstone event, where they’ll pitch their ventures to international investors, business leaders, and key stakeholders.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold at least a university degree
- Be a citizen or refugee in a Commonwealth country
- Reside full-time in that country
- Be fluent in English
- Not have taken part in a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship within the last five years
- Be fully available to participate from the official start date
In addition, your startup should demonstrate:
- A working prototype or existing service
- At least six months of active development
- Proven customer interest (early sales, pre-orders, etc.)
- A clear solution to a real-world problem
How to Apply
Applications for Cohort Two of the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship will close on 30 June 2025 at 4:00 PM (BST).
To apply, complete the official application form via the official Commonwealth Startup Fellowship form. Be sure to review the full eligibility criteria and programme details before submitting.
Final Thoughts
This is more than a startup accelerator — it’s a chance to join a global network of changemakers building solutions that matter. Whether you’re in fintech, health, education, or climate tech, the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship is your opportunity to build something that lasts — with world-class support behind you.
For more information and to start your application, visit the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship information page.
You may also like to read: David Oyedepo Foundation Scholarship 2025 Now Open — Full Tuition at Covenant and Landmark University for African Students
