The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship (CSF) is a transformative six-month program designed to ignite and elevate startups from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries. Organized by Imperial Enterprise Lab, this initiative combines immersive in-person experiences with dynamic online learning to equip participants with essential skills, cutting-edge knowledge, and a robust global network.
A Six-Month Program for Startup Growth and Global Connections
The CSF is tailored to support startups with high growth potential. It provides an intensive learning journey, blending in-person and virtual experiences. Selected participants will benefit from tailored coaching, practical workshops, and access to a powerful global network of industry experts and mentors.
The program launches in March 2025 with a fully funded two-week bootcamp in Accra, Ghana. This event includes interactive workshops on leadership, scaling businesses, fundraising, and exploring Ghana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Ongoing online support ensures participants stay connected through monthly coaching sessions, peer-to-peer meetings, and expert-led discussions.
Key features of the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship (CSF)
In-person Bootcamp:
- Launch event in Accra, Ghana.
- Workshops covering leadership, scaling, team building, and sales strategies.
- 1-on-1 business coaching.
- Immersive exploration of Ghana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Remote Learning:
- Monthly 1-on-1 coaching sessions.
- Peer-to-peer meetings.
- Monthly venture review sessions.
- Expert meetings and program check-ins.
Additionally, participants can apply for funding from the Fellows Fund, a £35,000 grant pool available to support business-related costs. Select participants will also have the opportunity to attend a Capstone event in London, UK, where they can pitch to investors and industry leaders.
Learning Outcomes
Transforming Ideas into Scalable Ventures
By the end of the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship, participants will:
- Refine business strategies and implement lean practices for sustainable growth.
- Strengthen leadership skills, enhance team dynamics, and promote diversity.
- Navigate entrepreneurial ecosystems to identify key players and forge partnerships.
- Develop compelling brands, financial forecasts, and sales strategies.
- Build resilience, prevent burnout, and foster a supportive entrepreneurial network.
- Set actionable goals for continuous personal and professional development.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for this opportunity, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least a graduate-level candidate.
- Be a citizen or hold refugee status in a low- or middle-income Commonwealth country.
- Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Have fluency in written and spoken English.
- Not have participated in a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship in the past five years.
- Be available to start the fellowship from March 2025.
Applicants must also demonstrate:
- Innovation in their product, service, or market.
- Active development of their business for at least six months.
- A functional minimum viable product or service.
- Evidence of customer engagement or market traction (e.g., pre-sales, signed contracts).
Key Dates of The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship (CSF)
The program consists of workshops, talks, and networking sessions spanning various time zones. While participation in all sessions is encouraged, it is not mandatory. Key dates to remember include:
- December 18, 2024 – Applications Open.
- January 6, 2025 – Online Applicant Info Session.
- January 15, 2025 – First Application Deadline.
- February 17, 2025 – Final Application Deadline.
- February 21, 2025 – First Offers Extended.
- March 24 – April 5, 2025 – In-person Bootcamp in Accra, Ghana.
- April 5 – September 8, 2025 – Online Programming.
- September 8 – September 12, 2025 – Capstone Event in London, UK.
Submit Your Application Today
Interested entrepreneurs can apply through the official Commonwealth Startup Fellowship page: Apply Here. Applications close on February 17, 2025.
Explore More Opportunities
For more funding and support opportunities, explore Dadupa’s curated list of programs for African entrepreneurs: Dadupa Call for Projects.
The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship is a unique opportunity for African entrepreneurs to scale their ventures, connect with global networks, and unlock sustainable growth. Don’t miss this chance to take your startup to the next level!