The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship is an exciting opportunity for African students and recent graduates to develop their entrepreneurial skills and launch impactful ventures.
This 8-month program provides comprehensive training, mentorship, and financial support to empower the next generation of African business leaders.
Opportunity Summary
- Fellowship Name: Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship
- Target Audience: African students and recent graduates
- Focus: Entrepreneurship and business development
- Duration: 8 months
- Financial Support: Up to $15,000 CAD in prizes
- Application Deadline: December 4, 2024
- Program Start: January 2025
About the Fellowship
The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship aims to cultivate entrepreneurial leaders who can create positive social and economic impact across Africa.
This virtual program offers a flexible, self-paced learning experience that allows participants to develop their business ideas while receiving world-class training and mentorship.
The fellowship is structured into three main phases:
- Explore Entrepreneurship (January – February 2025)
- Ignite Entrepreneurship (March – April 2025)
- Launch Entrepreneurship (May – August 2025)
Throughout these phases, fellows will gain valuable skills, refine their business concepts, and work towards launching their ventures.
Courses Available
The fellowship curriculum covers essential aspects of entrepreneurship, including:
- Business model development
- Market research and analysis
- Financial planning and management
- Marketing and branding strategies
- Pitching and presentation skills
- Leadership and team building
Participants will have access to the Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework, developed at MIT, which provides a step-by-step approach to launching successful startups.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship, applicants must:
- Be a student or recent graduate from an African post-secondary institution
- Have an existing business idea or be interested in starting a new venture
- Demonstrate commitment to developing an entrepreneurial mindset
- Be willing to dedicate at least 10 hours per week to the program
- Have proficiency in English (program content is delivered in English)
The fellowship is open to individuals from all academic disciplines, encouraging diverse perspectives and innovative ideas.
Who Should Apply
This opportunity is ideal for:
- Aspiring entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas
- Recent graduates looking to launch their own ventures
- Students interested in developing entrepreneurial skills
- Young professionals seeking to make a positive impact in their communities
- Individuals passionate about addressing social and economic challenges in Africa
Benefits
Fellows will enjoy a wide range of benefits, including:
Best-in-Class Training
- Business bootcamp led by Queen’s University faculty and industry experts
- Access to the Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework
- Workshops on pitching, marketing, and team building
- Micro-credentials in entrepreneurship awarded by Queen’s University
Mentorship and Networking
- Guidance from experienced entrepreneurs and industry leaders
- Connection to a global network of Queen’s entrepreneurial alumni
- Collaboration with fellow participants from across Africa
- Feedback on key business milestones
Financial Support and Opportunities
- Up to 60 fellows will receive a $500 CAD stipend
- Chance to win up to $15,000 CAD in pitch competitions
- Potential opportunity to travel to Queen’s Innovation Centre in Canada
How to Apply
To apply for the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship, follow these steps:
- Visit the official fellowship application page
- Create an account or log in if you already have one
- Complete the online application form, providing details about your background, entrepreneurial goals, and business idea
- Submit any required supporting documents
- Review your application for accuracy and completeness
- Submit your application before the deadline
Pro Tip: Start your application early to allow ample time for gathering necessary information and refining your responses.
Application Deadline
The deadline to submit your application for the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship is December 4, 2024, at 12:59 PM EST.
Late applications will not be considered, so mark your calendar and ensure you complete all requirements well before the deadline.
Preparing a Successful Application
To increase your chances of being selected for this prestigious fellowship, consider the following tips:
- Clearly articulate your business idea: Explain your concept, its potential impact, and how it addresses a specific problem or need in your community.
- Highlight your passion and commitment: Demonstrate your enthusiasm for entrepreneurship and your dedication to making a difference.
- Showcase your skills and experiences: Emphasize any relevant skills, experiences, or achievements that make you a strong candidate for the fellowship.
- Be specific about your goals: Outline what you hope to achieve through the fellowship and how it aligns with your long-term entrepreneurial aspirations.
- Proofread and polish: Ensure your application is free of errors and presents your ideas clearly and concisely.
Conclusion
The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship presents an exceptional opportunity for African students and recent graduates to develop their entrepreneurial skills and launch impactful ventures.
With its comprehensive training, mentorship, and financial support, this program can be a game-changer for aspiring entrepreneurs across the continent.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative experience. Mark your calendar for December 4, 2024, and start preparing your application today.
Your entrepreneurial journey towards creating positive change in Africa begins with the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship.
Apply Now and take the first step towards turning your innovative ideas into reality!
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