Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025 | Empowering Entrepreneurs

Empowering Commonwealth Startups: Announcing the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship

Table of Content

Overview of Commonwealth Startup Fellowship
What Is the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship?
Eligibility Criteria
Why Apply?
Benefits of the Fellowship
Eligible Countries
Application Process and Key Dates to Remember

Imperial College London, in partnership with the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, proudly unveils the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship—an innovative six-month accelerator program tailored for startups from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries.

The Fellowship is designed to provide entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and networks needed to scale their businesses, create jobs, and drive sustainable change globally.

What Is the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship?

The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship is a fully-funded accelerator program offering startup founders an unparalleled opportunity to grow their businesses. Through expert mentorship, access to a global ecosystem, and tailored resources, the Fellowship equips participants to achieve transformative outcomes.

Program Highlights

Participants in the program will:

Attend a two-week, fully-funded bootcamp at Imperial Global Ghana in Accra, featuring hands-on workshops and networking opportunities.
Have the chance to join a final capstone event at Imperial College London, UK, for selected startups.
Gain access to an equity-free Fellows Fund to support their ventures.

Eligibility Criteria

Startups must:

Be registered in one of the eligible Commonwealth countries (see full list below).
Demonstrate early-stage traction, such as progress in product development, customer acquisition, or revenue generation.

To qualify for the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

General Eligibility

Hold at least a graduate-level qualification.
Be a citizen of or hold refugee status in an eligible low- or middle-income Commonwealth country.
Be a permanent resident of an eligible Commonwealth nation.
Have proficiency in both written and spoken English.
Not have participated in a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship within the past five years at the time of the award.
Be available to commence the Fellowship on the specified start date.

Startup-Specific Requirements

Applicants must also demonstrate:

Innovation in their product, service, or market approach.
Active development of their startup for at least six months, with clear commitment from team members.
A functional minimum viable product (MVP), service, or prototype.
Strong evidence of customer engagement or market traction, such as early sales, pre-sales, expressions of interest, signed contracts, or similar indicators of demand.

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) is dedicated to identifying individuals with the potential to create meaningful change. We uphold a policy of equal opportunity and non-discrimination and welcome applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds. For details on support available for candidates with disabilities, refer to the CSC disability support statement.

Why Apply?

Selected startups will:

Receive world-class mentorship from industry leaders.
Build a global network of entrepreneurs, investors, and strategic partners.
Participate in investor pitches, increasing their chances of securing funding.

Benefits of the Fellowship

The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship offers a host of unique advantages:

Equity-Free Fellows Fund – Get financial support without giving up ownership of your business.
Two-Week Bootcamp in Accra, Ghana – Engage in interactive sessions with global experts.
Online Coaching & Workshops – Ongoing virtual support to overcome your business challenges.
Global Networking Opportunities – Connect with peers, mentors, and investors worldwide.
Investor Pitches – Present your startup to leading investors and potential partners.

Eligible Countries

Startups from the following Commonwealth countries can apply:

Africa

Botswana, Cameroon, Eswatini, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia.

Asia

Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka.

Caribbean & Americas

Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & The Grenadines.

Pacific

Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.

Application Process

If you're interested and meet the qualifications for the 2025 Commonwealth Startup Fellowship, follow these steps:

Visit the program's official website for detailed information about the fellowship.
Review Eligibility Criteria
Carefully go through the eligibility requirements and ensure you meet all the conditions. Prepare the necessary documents for your application.
Complete the Application Form
Fill out the application form, providing all the required details, documents, and essays.
Submit Relevant Information
During the application process, you will be asked to:
- Provide details about your qualifications, employment history, referees, and your startup.
- Submit responses to essay questions related to your application.
- Upload a scanned copy of your passport or national identity card.

Key Dates to Remember

Applications for the program are now open!

Early Application Deadline: Wednesday, 15th January 2025
Final Application Deadline: Monday, 17th February 2025

Applications are open now and will close on January 15, 2025. Ensure you complete and submit your application before this date.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Scholarship at Uniplus Global to apply