Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025 for Early-Stage Entrepreneurs from Developing Countries

Omran Aburayya
11 hours ago
3 min read

If you are a founder of a promising early-stage startup in a Commonwealth low or middle-income country, this is your chance to scale your innovation on a global platform. Applications are now open for the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025, an intensive, hybrid programme designed to empower emerging entrepreneurial talent with the tools, networks, and insights needed to grow their ventures and create real-world impact.

Co-hosted by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and Imperial College London, the fellowship blends immersive in-person training with flexible online learning. It is a rare opportunity to connect with global peers, experts, and investors while sharpening your business skills and expanding your reach.

📝 Fellowship Summary

Location: Ghana (Bootcamp), UK (Capstone – optional), Online
Host Institutions: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and Imperial College London
Duration: 6 months
Start Date: November 2025
Target Group: Founders from early-stage startups based in eligible low and middle income Commonwealth countries
Focus Areas: Startup innovation, entrepreneurship, business growth, social impact
Award Value: Fully funded travel, accommodation, training, and financial support
Application Deadline: 30 June 2025 (04:00 PM BST)
Applications Open: 2 June 2025 (10:00 AM BST)
Eligible to: Graduates residing in eligible Commonwealth countries with a viable startup

🎓 Fellowship Overview

The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship is structured to blend hands-on experience with academic rigor and strategic mentorship. It will support 20 early-stage startups, with one representative per company participating.

🧩 Fellowship Structure:

Two-week in-person bootcamp in Accra, Ghana (14–30 November 2025):Focused on business development, growth strategy, pitching, and networking.
Online curriculum:Continuation of startup coaching, mentorship, and workshops with experts and peers.
Capstone Events in London, UK (for selected fellows):A showcase opportunity for exceptional fellows to present their progress and vision.

🎁 Fellowship Benefits

Fully funded return travel to Accra, Ghana
Accommodation, catering, and local transport during the bootcamp
Visa application fee reimbursement
Vaccination cost reimbursement
Access to a Fellow’s Grant Fund for business-related costs
Additional financial support for fellows with disabilities (needs-based)
Participation in a global network of entrepreneurs and leaders
Hands-on coaching by professionals from Imperial College London and partner institutions

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

Be a graduate-level individual fluent in English
Be a citizen or refugee of an eligible low/middle-income Commonwealth country
Be permanently resident in one of the eligible countries
Not have held a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship in the last 5 years
Be available for the full duration of the fellowship

In addition, startups must demonstrate:

A minimum viable product (MVP) or working prototype
6+ months of active business development
Team commitment and entrepreneurial motivation
Clear evidence of innovation, customer engagement, or early traction (e.g., early sales, contracts, or user metrics)
Progress in market or tech research, and awareness of competitive landscape

🌍 Eligible Commonwealth Countries

Includes:Bangladesh, Belize, Botswana, Cameroon, Dominica, Eswatini, Fiji, Ghana, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Malawi, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and many others. (Full list available in official call.)

📄 Application Procedure

Applications must be submitted via the CSC's online platform between 2 June and 30 June 2025. You’ll be required to:

Provide academic background (max. 2 qualifications)
Summarize relevant employment history
Include 3 referees (1 must be your current or most recent employer)
Provide full details about your startup, its development, and your role
Respond to specific prompts, including:
- Business traction and achievements (250 words)
- Competitor research (150 words)
- Intellectual Property (IP) status (150 words)
- Elevator pitch video (1 minute)
- Problem, solution, innovation, and team background (each 150 words)
- Motivation for joining the fellowship (150 words)
Upload a valid passport/ID scan