Call for Applications: Fully-funded 2026 Western Union Global Fellowship

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Closing Date: 28 June 2026

Call for Applications: Fully-funded 2026 Western Union Global Fellowship

Equipping courageous leaders and entrepreneurs supporting highly marginalized, refugee, or displaced communities across Western Union’s global footprint.

The Fellowship Offers

The Western Union Global Fellowship is a Fellowship designed for entrepreneurs impacting refugees, highly marginalized, and displaced individuals globally. Suported by Western Union and powered by Watson Institute, this fully-funded 16-week program provides training, committed mentorship, financial literacy skills, financial stipends, long-term Alumni support, a playbook and funds to power a 1-day Basecamp in their community, and a global network of support to help exceptional entrepreneurs and leaders access economic opportunity, advance their impact, and transform their communities.

Entrepreneurship & Leadership Workshops

Participate in Watson Institute’s signature Flagship Fellowship curriculum, joining a diverse cohort of entrepreneurs from across Watson Institute’s broader Fellowship community.

Financial Tools & Resources

Access practical financial tools, frameworks, and workshops designed to strengthen your venture’s financial foundation. Benefit from the expertise of practitioners and Watson Institute’s broader network of specialists supporting entrepreneurs at every stage.

Basecamps: Creating Lasting Impact

Design and lead a comprehensive 1-day entrepreneurship training program (Basecamp) for earlier-stage entrepreneurs in your community. With training, resources, and a community development stipend, you’ll multiply your impact by supporting emerging entrepreneurs serving marginalized and displaced populations.

Pitch Training & Virtual Summit

Master the art of compelling storytelling through dedicated pitch coaching. Present your venture’s growth and community impact to an engaged virtual audience of entrepreneurs, community leaders, Western Union representatives, potential investors, and peers.

Experts You Will Learn From

Watson Institute recruit experts and entrepreneurs with the specific expertise needed to best serve you. They are brought on to share their insights, facilitate the workshops, and provide 1-on-1 guidance. Preceptors from past Western Union Global Fellowship cohorts have included:

Key Dates

Program: August 11–December 3, 2026
Immersive: August 11–18, 2026 | Virtual
- Week 1: 8/11–8/14 (Tuesday–Friday)
- Week 2: 8/17–8/20 (Monday–Thursday)
Virtual Summit: December 3, 2026 – Selected Fellows present their venture pitches to an engaged audience of entrepreneurs, community leaders, and peers

Schedule & Weekly Time Commitment

Weekly Workshops: Fellows participate in virtual workshops each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:00 – 10:00 AM MT.
Weekly Time Commitment: 8–10 hours per week, including workshops, community building events, optional mentorship sessions, Basecamp planning and implementation, and Summit preparations.

Eligibility: Is This Fellowship for Me?

Who you are:

You are an entrepreneur or community leader who has experienced the challenges of highly marginalized, refugee, or forcibly displaced communities, or who is actively working to support these populations. You are deeply committed to addressing issues affecting historically underserved communities and driving meaningful, community-centered impact. Watson Institute particularly value proximate leaders—those who come from these communities or work closely with them, bringing lived experience and close connection to the challenges at hand.

Your Business Stage:

Your business or organization has been operating for 1-5 years with fewer than 10 employees. You have engaged customers, measurable results, and have secured some funding through grants, investments, donations, or revenue, and you’re ready to grow to the next level. (All legal business structures welcome: for-profit, nonprofit, social enterprise, etc.).

Your Commitment:

You must be able to commit to the full 16-week program, including the mandatory virtual Immersive and weekly workshops held Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8:00–10:00 AM MT. Western Union prioritize participants who are fully committed to active engagement throughout the entire program. The program’s success depends on building a strong community where all participants are enthusiastic about both learning and sharing their experiences with others.

Where You Work:

Applicants who are located in and/or creating impact in the following countries are encouraged to apply:

United States: Denver, Austin, Miami
Costa Rica: Santa Ana
India: Pune
Philippines: Quezon City
Lithuania: Vilnius
Argentina: Buenos Aires
Italy: Rome
Brazil: São Paulo
Peru: Lima

What You Are Looking For:

You seek expert-guided entrepreneurial training through Watson Institute’s signature Flagship Fellowship curriculum, specialized mentorship from Entrepreneurs in Residence with lived experience supporting communities on the move, a supportive global community for feedback, a broad mentor network to enhance your leadership, and opportunities to challenge yourself by leading a Basecamp training program and other initiatives that benefit your venture and community. You bring an entrepreneurial spirit and growth mindset to this work.

Demographics:

Applicants must be 18 years or older.

Application Process

Submit Your Application: Candidates complete the online application in approximately 30 minutes. Submit by the priority deadline of June 28, 2026, for early consideration. Applications will continue to be reviewed on a rolling basis until all spots are filled.
Application Review: The Admissions Committee evaluates applications to identify innovative entrepreneurs with scalable ventures and strong potential for impact. Early applicants receive priority consideration.
Interview: Selected candidates will be invited to a 20-minute Zoom interview to share their entrepreneurial journey, discuss their venture’s vision for growth, and explore how the Fellowship aligns with their goals.
Final Selection & Enrollment: Final decisions will be announced by July 9, 2026. Accepted applicants must confirm their enrollment to secure their spot. The program begins on August 11, 2026.