Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship 2027 Admin, October 2, 2026October 2, 2026 Application Deadline: December 1, 2026 Applications are now open for the 2027 Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship, an eight-month virtual programme designed to help African students and recent graduates turn promising ideas into practical ventures. Delivered by the Dunin-Deshpande Innovation Centre (DDQIC) at Queen’s University, the fellowship combines entrepreneurship education, coaching, mentorship, venture development and financial support. It is open to applicants from different academic backgrounds and does not require participants to already have an established business. For young Africans interested in entrepreneurship and social innovation, the programme offers more than business training. It provides a structured process for understanding real problems, testing solutions, developing business models and working towards sustainable impact. About the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship The fellowship supports African students and recent graduates who want to solve pressing social and economic challenges through entrepreneurship. Participants learn using the Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework, a structured approach developed at MIT for building and testing scalable ventures. The programme progresses through three stages: Phase 1: Explore Running from January to February 2027, participants explore problems, identify potential customers, conduct research and validate assumptions. More than 1,000 candidates initially participate in this stage. Phase 2: Ignite From March to April 2027, selected participants develop business models, explore routes to market, build prototypes and test their ideas. Strong performers can progress to the fellowship phase. Phase 3: Launch and Fellowship From May to August 2027, up to 60 Fellows receive deeper incubation support, coaching, mentorship and opportunities to develop their ventures further. Fellows also work towards pitching their ventures and competing for additional funding. The programme also supports ventures addressing areas connected to the Sustainable Development Goals, including poverty reduction, health and decent work. Benefits of the Fellowship Selected participants can gain: Entrepreneurship training from Queen’s University faculty and experienced industry leaders. Practical training based on the Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework. Individual coaching and mentorship from entrepreneurs and innovation professionals. Access to a global network of Queen’s entrepreneurial alumni and African innovators. Workshops covering areas such as marketing, goal setting, recruitment and pitching. Opportunities to earn Queen’s University entrepreneurship micro-credentials. Financial support during the final fellowship phase, including a USD 350 stipend according to the current programme information. Opportunities to compete for up to CAD 15,000 in pitch competition prizes. Post-incubation support and continued networking after graduation. Potential opportunities for high-performing Fellows to become ambassadors or mentors for future cohorts. Who Can Apply? The fellowship is open to applicants who: Are citizens of an African country. Are currently enrolled in a post-secondary institution or graduated within the past five years. Come from any academic discipline and any post-secondary institution in Africa. Have an entrepreneurial idea or are interested in exploring and developing one. Are committed to developing their entrepreneurial mindset and venture. Can dedicate at least 10 hours per week to the programme. Have reliable internet access and a suitable device for online participation. Can complete programme assignments and pitches in English. Mentorship may also be available in French. Applicants do not need to have a fully developed business before applying. The programme is designed to help participants move from identifying a problem to validating, prototyping and developing a potential venture. Application Process and Key Dates Interested applicants should: Review the official eligibility requirements. Think carefully about the problem they want to solve and the people affected by it. Prepare a clear explanation of their entrepreneurial interest or idea. Complete the online application form. Submit the application before the deadline. Application deadline: December 1, 2026 Programme period: January–August 2027 Apply through the official Queen’s University application portal: Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship Application Why You Should Apply: Practical Application Tips A strong application should demonstrate more than enthusiasm for entrepreneurship. Show that you understand a real problem and can explain why solving it matters. If you already have an idea, describe the people who experience the problem, the evidence you have gathered and how your proposed solution could help. If your idea is still developing, focus on your curiosity, problem-solving ability and willingness to test assumptions. Avoid presenting an idea simply as “innovative.” Explain what makes the problem important and what you have done—or plan to do—to understand potential users. Also consider your availability. With a commitment of at least 10 hours per week, successful applicants should be prepared to participate consistently, complete assignments and respond to feedback throughout the programme. Explore similar opportunities on OpportunityPool.org for more fellowships, grants, scholarships and entrepreneurship opportunities. Conclusion The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship offers African students and recent graduates a structured opportunity to develop entrepreneurial skills while working on solutions to real-world challenges. If you meet the eligibility requirements, start preparing your application early. A well-developed understanding of the problem you want to solve, combined with a willingness to learn and test your ideas, can help you make the most of this opportunity. For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE Be one of the first to see new opportunities, Follow Us on social media: Facebook, Whatsapp Channel, LinkedIn Fellowships & Scholarship opportunities Opportunities for Africans