Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship

The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship is a 8-month virtual fellowship designed for African students and recent graduates eager to develop entrepreneurial skills and launch ventures addressing pressing social or financial challenges. Offered by the Dunin-Deshpande Innovation Centre (DDQIC) at Queen’s University, the program provides structured training, mentorship, financial support, and a global network to build scalable startups. It emphasizes diverse perspectives, inclusivity, and practical skill-building through frameworks like the Disciplined Entrepreneurship (MIT-developed) and live workshops on marketing, goal-setting, and mentorship. Up to 60 fellows receive a $500 CAD stipend and pitch opportunities for prizes up to $15,000 CAD. The program is fully virtual, adaptable to participants’ schedules, and supports English-language learners through teamwork or local resources. It’s open to any African post-secondary student or recent graduate, regardless of discipline, though applicants must commit to 10+ hours/week of entrepreneurial work and meet assignment deadlines.

What it offers

• Best-in-class training from Queen’s University faculty and industry leaders, including the Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework (MIT-based).
• Micro-credentials in entrepreneurship awarded by Queen’s University.
• Mentorship and networking with African entrepreneurs (e.g., Christine Kamala, founder of Christie’s Crisp; Oluwasegun Oluwaleti, founder of Water Boy).
• A global alumni network of thousands of African entrepreneurs.
• Financial support: Up to 60 fellows receive a $500 CAD stipend; additional prizes up to $15,000 CAD in a pitch competition.
• Inclusivity measures: Gender-inclusive cohorts (55% women), accessible content (French support, mobile-friendly lessons), and free digital badges with blockchain verification.
• Flexible virtual delivery with live Zoom workshops and downloadable materials.

Who can apply

The fellowship is open to African students and recent graduates from any discipline or post-secondary institution. Applicants must demonstrate commitment to entrepreneurship, willingness to engage with program resources, and a minimum 10-hour/week dedication to their venture. English proficiency is required for assignments/pitches, but non-native speakers can apply via teamwork or local language support.

How to apply

The application process is not explicitly detailed in the provided text. The source only mentions an application deadline of December 1, 2026 and invites applicants to sign up for updates.

Good to know

• The program is fully virtual and adaptable to participants’ schedules.
• No explicit education level (e.g., bachelor’s) is required, but applicants must be current students or recent graduates.
• Language: Core content is in English; mentorship may include French.
• Inclusivity: Prioritizes diversity, accessibility, and participant feedback-driven improvements.