Islamabad, May 19, 2025: Are you a startup founder from a low or middle-income Commonwealth nation with an innovative business idea that’s starting to make waves? This is your chance to accelerate your impact and join a global community of changemakers! Applications for the second batch of the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025, a joint initiative of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and Imperial College London will open this June.
It’s an opportunity that could take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level.
What is the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship?
This six-month program is specially designed to help emerging businesses grow and expand their reach across various industries. It features a hybrid structure, combining online learning with in-person sessions to develop business expertise, international connections, and leadership skills.
A key highlight of the fellowship is a two-week intensive bootcamp in Accra, Ghana, running from 14 to 30 November 2025, with a chance for selected fellows to attend capstone events in London.
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Purpose of the Fellowship
The main purpose of the fellowship is to equip entrepreneurs with tools to grow sustainable businesses, extend their influence, and foster economic progress and employment opportunities in their native countries.
What’s Covered?
Selected fellows will benefit from a comprehensive support package, allowing them to focus entirely on enhancing their startups without financial worry. The fellowship includes:
- Fully funded round-trip airfare for the Accra bootcamp
- Covered accommodation, meals, and local travel throughout the bootcamp period
- Visa application fee reimbursement
- Vaccination cost reimbursement
- Access to a Fellow’s Grant Fund to help with business or fellowship-linked expenses
- Disability support funding (based on assessed needs)
This support is designed to make the fellowship accessible and fair for everyone selected.
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Who Can Apply?
Applicants must fulfill the following requirements to be eligible:
- Hold a graduate-level qualification
- Be a citizen from a Commonwealth country
- Be a permanent resident of eligible nations
- Possess strong English communication skills (both spoken and written)
- Not have taken part in a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship in the last five years
- Be fully available to participate in the program as outlined
In addition to the basic criteria, ideal candidates will also demonstrate:
- An innovative approach in their offering, service, or market entry
- At least six months of ongoing business activity
- A functional minimum viable product, prototype, or service
- Evidence of customer interest or usage such as sales, pre-orders, signed agreements, or similar proof
The CSC encourages applications from individuals of all identities and backgrounds and is dedicated to making the program inclusive, particularly for participants with disabilities.
Application Timeline: Application open on 2 June 2025 and close on 30 June 2025
