Applications Now Open for the 2026 Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship

Admin,

Application Deadline: December 15, 2025

The 2026 Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship offers African students and recent graduates a unique opportunity to access intensive entrepreneurial training, mentorship, and funding to transform their ideas into scalable ventures. This prestigious eight-month virtual program equips young African leaders with the skills and mindset to drive sustainable social and financial impact.

About the Fellowship

The Fellowship, a partnership between the Mastercard Foundation and the Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre (DDQIC), empowers aspiring entrepreneurs across Africa to develop viable business ventures. Participants gain hands-on experience through a structured learning process based on the Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Delivered virtually, the program allows participants to learn at their own pace while meeting clear milestones and deadlines. The most dedicated fellows typically commit at least 10 hours per week.

Eligibility

The Fellowship welcomes:

  • Students and recent graduates from all academic disciplines.
  • Applicants from any African post-secondary institution.
  • Individuals with either existing business ideas or those looking to start new ventures.

While the program is delivered in English, mentorship may be offered in English or French. Applicants with limited English proficiency are encouraged to apply and collaborate with team members fluent in English to complete assignments and pitches.

Program Benefits

World-Class Entrepreneurial Training

  • Intensive business bootcamps led by Queen’s University faculty and industry experts.
  • Access to the Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework for building scalable startups.
  • Pitch coaching and mastery sessions to prepare for competitions.
  • Workshops on marketing, leadership, goal setting, and team building.
  • Micro-credentials in Entrepreneurship from Queen’s University upon completion.

Mentorship and Networking

  • Guidance from global mentors and entrepreneurs in North America and Africa.
  • Access to the Queen’s University alumni network of innovators and changemakers.
  • Collaboration with thousands of like-minded young Africans.
  • Personalized feedback and coaching throughout the startup journey.

Financial Support

  • Up to 60 Fellows will receive a CAD $500 stipend in the final phase.
  • Opportunities to win up to CAD $15,000 in the final pitch competition.
  • Access to seed funding and incubation at the DDQIC Innovation Centre in Canada.

Program Structure and Timeline

The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship runs in three phases, from January to August 2026:

Phase 1: Explore (January–February 2026)

Over 1,000 selected participants explore the fundamentals of entrepreneurship using curated online courses and the first stages of the Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework.
Key Milestones:

  • Conduct customer discovery and problem validation.
  • Develop potential solutions and user journey maps.
  • Validate early-stage assumptions.

Phase 2: Ignite (March–April 2026)

Approximately 180 finalists advance to the Ignite phase, focusing on refining their business models and prototypes.
Key Milestones:

  • Develop a go-to-market strategy.
  • Create a financial sustainability plan.
  • Build and test prototypes with end users.
  • Prepare for the final pitch selection.

Phase 3: Launch (May–August 2026)

Up to 60 outstanding participants are selected as Fellows to join DDQIC’s summer incubation program.
Key Milestones:

  • Receive seed funding and mentorship support.
  • Participate in weekly pitch sessions and feedback reviews.
  • Pilot and scale their solutions.
  • Compete for additional seed funding during the pitch competition.

Following graduation in August 2026, fellows continue to receive post-incubation mentorship and remain part of DDQIC’s global innovation network. High-performing fellows may also serve as mentors and ambassadors for future cohorts.

Program Timeline Overview

  • Application Deadline: December 15, 2025
  • Notification of Selection: December 2025
  • Phase 1 – Explore: January–February 2026
  • Phase 2 – Ignite: March–April 2026
  • Phase 3 – Launch: May–August 2026

Note: The fellowship is completely free of charge, and all communications are officially sent from Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship portal.

Why Apply?

The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship is more than a training program—it’s a launchpad for young Africans eager to create businesses that solve real-world problems. By combining academic excellence, hands-on mentorship, and financial backing, it empowers a new generation of African innovators to build sustainable ventures and transform their communities.

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE

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