Commonwealth Startup Fellowship

The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship (CSF) is a six-month programme designed to ignite and elevate high-potential startups from low- and middle-income countries across the Commonwealth. This initiative provides intensive in-person and online learning, tailored coaching, and access to a global network to help startups overcome barriers and scale their businesses.

📖 About Commonwealth Startup Fellowship

• Date Published: June 4, 2025
• Application Deadline: June 30, 2025
• Category: Entrepreneurs, Fellowship, Fully Funded, Grants, Training
• Opportunity Location: United Kingdom

The programme begins in November 2025 with a fully funded two-week bootcamp in Accra, Ghana, followed by ongoing online support. Participants will receive business coaching, expert-led sessions, and peer connections.

One founder from each selected team will participate in-person, while co-founders and team members can access the remote portion. Additionally, participants can apply for financial support from the Fellows Fund, which offers £35,000 in equity-free grants. Select participants will also be invited to a Capstone event in London, UK, where they can pitch to investors and industry leaders.

🎁 Benefits of the Fellowship

In-Person Bootcamp (Two Weeks in Accra, Ghana):

• Workshops on leadership, scaling a business, team building, fundraising, and sales.
• Exploration of the Ghanaian entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• 1-on-1 business coaching.

Online Support (Post-Bootcamp):

• Monthly 1-on-1 business coaching.
• Monthly peer-to-peer meetings.
• 1-on-1 expert meetings.
• Monthly venture review sessions.
• Monthly programme check-ins.

Additional Benefits:

• Approved return travel from the Fellow’s home country to Accra, Ghana.
• Accommodation, travel, and catering during the bootcamp.
• Reimbursement of standard visa application fees.
• Reimbursement of vaccination costs.
• Access to the Fellows Grant Fund for business or participation-related costs.
• Disability support (if applicable), including a full assessment of needs and eligibility for additional financial support.

🎯 By the End of the Programme, You Will:

• Refine business plans, scale operations, and develop go-to-market strategies.
• Enhance leadership styles, team dynamics, and promote diversity.
• Navigate entrepreneurial ecosystems and leverage partnerships.
• Develop compelling brands, sales strategies, and financial forecasts.
• Build resilience, prevent burnout, and foster team well-being.
• Articulate goals and create actionable plans for continuous development.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship, applicants must:

1. Be at least a graduate level.
2. Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible low- or middle-income Commonwealth country.
3. Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
4. Be fluent in written and spoken English.
5. Not have undertaken a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship in the last five years.
6. Be available to undertake the fellowship from the prescribed start date.

Additional Requirements:

• Evidence of innovation in product, service, or market.
• Active development for at least six months with demonstrable team commitment.
• A working minimum viable product (MVP), service, or prototype.
• Significant evidence of customer engagement or traction (e.g., early sales, pre-sales, signed contracts).

🌍 Eligible Countries

The following Commonwealth countries are eligible:

• Africa: Botswana, Cameroon, Eswatini, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, The Gambia, Togo, Uganda, Zambia.
• Asia: Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka.
• Caribbean: Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and The Grenadines.
• Pacific: Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.
• Other: Gabon, Mauritius, Montserrat, St. Helena.

📝 Application Process

Steps to Apply:

1. Complete the application form here.
2. Provide the following details:
   • Up to two undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications.
   • Employment history (up to two entries).
   • Names and positions of up to three referees (one must be your current or most recent employer).
   • Information about your business, including registration details and your role.
   • Progress or traction made on your startup (up to 250 words).
   • Competitor research (up to 150 words).
   • Intellectual Property (IP) protection and ownership status (up to 150 words).
   • A 1-minute video elevator pitch.
   • Problem your business is solving (up to 150 words).
   • Your solution and its innovation (up to 150 words).
   • Why your team is the right fit (up to 150 words).
   • Motivation for joining the programme (up to 150 words).
   • A scan of your passport or national identity card.

📅 Important Dates

• Application Deadline: June 30, 2025
• Programme Start Date: November 2025

🔗 Additional Information

• For FAQs, visit here.
• View more details about the programme here.
• Apply directly here.

This is a fantastic opportunity for entrepreneurs from eligible Commonwealth countries to grow their startups, gain invaluable skills, and connect with a global network of mentors and investors. Don't miss out!

• Approved return travel from the Fellow’s home country to the in-person bootcamp in Accra, Ghana.
• Accommodation, travel and catering for the duration of the in-person bootcamp in Accra, Ghana.
• Reimbursement of the standard visa application fee.
• Reimbursement of vaccination costs.
• Access to a Fellow’s Grant Fund for business or participation-related costs.
• If a Fellow declares a disability, a full assessment of needs and eligibility for additional financial support will be offered by the CSC.