2027 Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship

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 challenges. Offered by the Dunin-Deshpande Innovation Centre (DDQIC) at Queen’s University, it provides training, mentorship, financial support, and a structured framework to build scalable startups. The program emphasizes social and financial impact, with a focus on inclusivity, including support for women and learners with limited internet access. Language is English, though mentorship may include French, and assignments must be completed in English. The fellowship is open to applicants from any academic discipline and post-secondary institution in Africa, regardless of whether they already have a business idea or are exploring one. The program is fully virtual and flexible, allowing participants to complete it at their own pace while meeting assignment deadlines.

What it offers

• Best-in-class training delivered by Queen’s University faculty and industry leaders, including the Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework (MIT-developed).
• Live workshops on marketing, goal setting, and recruiting.
• Micro-credentials in entrepreneurship awarded by Queen’s University on successful course completion.
• Mentorship and networking with industry leaders, including founders like Christine Kamala and Kora Sabi Janvier.
• Access to a global network of Queen’s entrepreneurial alumni and a cohort of African innovators.
• Financial support: Up to 60 fellows receive a $500 CAD stipend in the final phase, plus opportunities to pitch for prizes of up to $15,000 CAD in a pitch competition.
• Open credentials: Free digital badges and certificates with blockchain verification.
• Personalized support: One-on-one coaching and access to over 15 mentors for entrepreneurial guidance.
• Inclusivity measures: Gender inclusion (55% women), accessible learning (downloadable content, French support, screen-reader compatibility), and student-driven adaptations.

Who can apply

The fellowship is open to African students and recent graduates from any academic discipline and post-secondary institution in Africa. Applicants must demonstrate commitment to entrepreneurial development, willingness to dedicate at least 10 hours per week, and readiness to leverage program resources. Fluency in English is required for assignments and pitches, though applicants without fluency can form teams or access language support.

How to apply

The application process is not explicitly detailed in the provided text, but it includes:

• Curated online courses and the Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework (Phase 1: Explore, January–February).
• Milestone-based progression through idea validation, prototyping, and business model development.
• Final phase selection for fellowship (up to 60 fellows) based on commitment and idea advancement.
• Application deadline: December 1, 2026 (explicitly stated).

Good to know

• The program is fully virtual and flexible, but participants must meet assignment deadlines.
• Language: English for assignments and pitches; mentorship may include French.
• Inclusivity: Special support for women, learners with limited internet access, and visually impaired participants.
• No prior business experience required—suitable for both explorers and builders.
• No tuition fees—all training and credentials are provided free of charge.