The Wells Fargo Small Business Fellowship 2026

The Wells Fargo Small Business Fellowship is a fully-funded 16-week program designed for small business owners and nonprofit leaders who are creating jobs and economic opportunities in lower-income communities in Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Chicago. This program provides expert-led training, capital connections, and leadership development to help Fellows scale their impact and strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems in their communities.

🏢 About the Fellowship

The fellowship is tailored for individuals with a few years of operational experience and fewer than 10 employees. It aims to empower participants with the tools and resources needed to grow their ventures and create lasting community impact.

🎁 Benefits of the Fellowship

Participants in the program will receive:

• Training, mentorship, funding opportunities, and community-building skills.
• Opportunities to increase revenue, expand networks, and develop stronger leadership skills.
• The ability to make a lasting impact on their communities.
• Alumni achievements include:
  • Raising $190M+ in funding.
  • Creating 2,300+ jobs.
  • Impacting 11M+ people worldwide.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the fellowship, applicants must:

• Be small business owners, nonprofit leaders, or entrepreneurs with proven results in supporting other businesses or connecting communities to financial products.
• Have an annual revenue or operating budget of ~$100,000.
• Be located in Baltimore, Chicago, or Washington, D.C..
• Commit to full participation in the program.

📅 Application Date and Process

Steps to Apply:

1. Submit Your Application

   • Complete the online application in approximately 30 minutes.
   • Submit by the priority deadline of January 8, 2025, for early consideration.
   • Applications will continue to be reviewed on a rolling basis until all spots are filled.

2. Application Review

   • The Admissions Committee evaluates applications to identify innovative entrepreneurs with scalable ventures and strong potential for impact.
   • Early applicants receive priority consideration.

3. Interview

   • Selected candidates will be invited to a 20-minute Zoom interview to discuss their entrepreneurial journey, vision for growth, and how the fellowship aligns with their goals.

4. Final Selection & Enrollment

   • Final decisions will be announced by February 2, 2026.
   • Accepted applicants must confirm their enrollment to secure their spot.
   • The program begins on February 25, 2026.

⏰ Application Deadline

• Priority Deadline: January 8, 2025
• Final Deadline: Rolling until all spots are filled.

🌐 Application Portal

• View details of the fellowship on the Watson Institute Website.
• Apply directly through the Application Portal.

This fellowship is a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders to grow their ventures, expand their impact, and contribute to building stronger communities. Don't miss the chance to be part of this transformative program!

• Fellows gain training, mentorship, funding opportunities, and community-building skills.
• Alumni report increased revenue, expanded networks, stronger leadership, and lasting community impact.
• Watson Institute alumni have raised $190M+, created 2,300+ jobs, and impacted 11M+ people worldwide.