Call for Applications: Watson Institute 2025 fully funded Flagship Fellowship for entrepreneurs world wide

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Closing Date: 22 June 2025

Call for Applications: Watson Institute 2025 fully funded Flagship Fellowship for entrepreneurs world wide

Flagship Fellowship

Elevating impact-driven entrepreneurs with global networks, mentorship, and intensive training. The Flagship Fellowship Program brings together 30 entrepreneurs in the critical “missing middle” stage—ventures that have demonstrated initial traction but need support to scale their impact. While each Fellowship is distinct in its focus area and geographic scope, all impact-driven entrepreneurs participate in the same transformative program experience, creating a cohesive community addressing crucial challenges in their target communities.

Overview

As a Fellow in the Flagship Program, you’ll elevate your impact-driven venture through intensive training, dedicated mentorship from industry leaders, and connections to a powerful global network. This transformative 16-week journey begins with an Immersive experience in Boulder, Colorado, followed by virtual programming that keeps you deeply engaged with like-minded peers as you strengthen your leadership and scale your impact.

This is a fully-funded fellowship program thanks to Watson Institute generous partners and consists of a variety of individual Fellowships. Each Fellowship is tailored to address specific social impact areas or has a geographical specification.

Key Dates

Program: August 18–November 25, 2025
In-Person Immersive: 5-day in-person Immersive, August 18–22, 2025, in Boulder, Colorado.
Virtual Summit: Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Time Commitment

Weekly Sessions: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM MT (GMT-6)
Weekly Commitment: 8–10 hours/week

Core Components

Virtual Workshops: Interactive online sessions with your cohort
Basecamp: Lead a 1-3 day impact workshop in your community
Virtual Summit: Pitch to leaders, funders, and entrepreneurs

To create the most valuable experience for all, Watson Institute ask every Fellow to fully participate and attend all weekly workshops and events.

Who Should Apply

Entrepreneur Profile
You are an entrepreneur or community leader dedicated to creating impact through innovative solutions. You have a strong connection to your community and a track record of creating positive change.

Venture Stage
Your nonprofit or for-profit organization has an established business model and is actively serving customers or beneficiaries in historically underserved communities. You’re now ready to scale your impact with the support of dedicated mentorship and resources.

Location & Eligibility
Applicants must be 18 years or older and located in and/or creating impact in any geographical location with a preference for applicants from the USA, East Africa (Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), South Sudan), Brazil, and China.

What You Will Receive

Through this fully-funded Fellowship, supported by its Partners and powered by Watson Institute, you’ll gain the tools, mentorship, and network needed to scale your venture’s impact. The Fellowship is specifically optimized for impact ventures, with carefully selected facilitators, mentors, and speakers who bring deep expertise.

Pitch Development & Professional Recording

Refine how you communicate your venture’s impact and vision to stakeholders.
Create a professionally recorded pitch video you can use beyond the Fellowship.
Master the art of engaging and persuading key audiences.

Skill Enhancement & Leadership Growth

Develop essential skills through hands-on workshops focused on strategic planning, venture development, and problem-solving.
Build resilience and adaptability for the entrepreneurial journey.
Learn to effectively lead and scale an impact-driven organization.

Mentorship & Expert Guidance

Receive one-on-one guidance from experienced mentors and industry professionals.
Participate in group mentorship circles for collaborative learning.
Work directly with an Entrepreneur in Residence who supports your venture’s growth.

Community & Network Expansion

Join a dynamic community of impact-driven entrepreneurs and changemakers.
Connect with Fellows, Alumni, and experts who share your commitment to social impact.
Build lasting relationships that extend beyond the Fellowship.

Visibility & Collaboration

Share your work through Watson Institute summits and events.
Connect with mission-aligned leaders, funders, and industry influencers.
Position yourself as a thought leader in social impact.

Real-World Experience Through Basecamp

Design and lead a Basecamp community event with provided training and resources.
Put your leadership skills into action through hands-on experience.
Receive a stipend to support your community initiative.