Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025: Applications Open June 2 – 30th

Entrepreneurs from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries have an exciting opportunity to scale their businesses through the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025. Applications for the second cohort open on June 2, 2025, and the program promises invaluable support for early-stage startups driving innovation across sectors.

About the Fellowship

The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship is a six-month hybrid program delivered in partnership with the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and Imperial College London. It is designed to empower entrepreneurs by providing access to world-class training, strategic business development, and a global community of innovators.

One of the standout features of the program is a two-week in-person bootcamp in Accra, Ghana, scheduled for November 14–30, 2025. Selected participants may also be invited to capstone events in London.

What the Fellowship Offers

Successful applicants will receive comprehensive support to focus entirely on growing their ventures. Benefits include:

• Fully-funded round-trip airfare for the Accra bootcamp
• Accommodation, meals, and local transportation during the bootcamp
• Visa application fee reimbursement
• Vaccination cost reimbursement
• Access to a Fellow’s Grant Fund for business-related expenses
• Disability support funding (based on assessed need)

This well-rounded support package ensures equal participation and removes financial barriers for promising entrepreneurs.

Who Should Apply?

Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Hold at least a graduate-level qualification
• Be a citizen of or hold refugee status in a low or middle-income Commonwealth country
• Be permanently residing in an eligible country
• Have proficient spoken and written English
• Not have received a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship in the past five years
• Be available to fully participate in the program schedule

Ideal candidates will also demonstrate:

• A unique and innovative approach to products, services, or markets
• At least six months of business development activity
• A functioning minimum viable product, prototype, or service
• Evidence of customer interest or traction (e.g., early sales, pre-orders, or signed agreements)

The program encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, including persons with disabilities.

Application Details

• Opening Date: June 2, 2025, at 10:00 AM BST
• Closing Date: June 30, 2025, at 4:00 PM BST
• Application Portal: Commonwealth Startup Fellowship Application