Watson Institute Flagship Fellowship 2025: Empowering Impact-Driven Entrepreneurs

Omran Aburayya
Apr 27
2 min read

If you are an entrepreneur or community leader dedicated to creating sustainable, scalable impact in your community, the Watson Institute Flagship Fellowship 2025 is now open for applications. This fully-funded, 16-week program offers intensive training, mentorship, and a global network to help you elevate your venture and amplify your impact. The program kicks off with an immersive experience in Boulder, Colorado, followed by virtual sessions that keep you engaged with like-minded peers and experts.

🗒️Flagship Fellowship Summary

Location: Boulder, Colorado (Immersive); Virtual (Remaining Program)
Host Institution: Watson Institute
Programme Type: Entrepreneurship & Venture Development
Target Group: Entrepreneurs and community leaders committed to social impact
Fields of Focus: Social Entrepreneurship, Community Development, Impact Ventures
Coverage: Fully-funded program; Fellows are responsible for travel expenses and some meals during the Immersive
Duration: 16 weeks (August 18–November 25, 2025)
Application Deadline: Priority Deadline – June 22, 2025; Rolling admissions thereafter until spots are filled
Eligible To: Entrepreneurs aged 18+ from any geographical location, with a preference for applicants from the USA, East Africa (Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, DRC, South Sudan), Brazil, and China

🎓 Fellowship Overview

The Flagship Fellowship is designed for ventures in the "missing middle" stage—those that have demonstrated initial traction but need support to scale their impact. The program includes:

In-Person Immersive: A 5-day intensive in Boulder, Colorado, from August 18–22, 2025
Virtual Workshops: Weekly sessions on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM MT (8–10 hours/week)

🧩 Core Components

Weekly expert-led sessions covering Foundations, Data & Metrics, Go-To-Market, Funding, Team Management, and Pitch
Basecamp: Lead a 1–3 day impact workshop in your community
Virtual Summit: Pitch to leaders, funders, and entrepreneurs

🎁 Fellowship Benefits

Mentorship & Expert Guidance: One-on-one support from experienced mentors and industry professionals
Skill Enhancement & Leadership Growth: Develop essential skills through hands-on workshops
Community & Network Expansion: Join a dynamic community of impact-driven entrepreneurs and changemakers
Pitch Development & Professional Recording: Refine how you communicate your venture’s impact and vision
Visibility & Collaboration: Share your work through Watson Institute summits and events
Real-World Experience Through Basecamp: Design and lead a community event with provided training and resources

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Venture in Problem-Solution or Product-Market Fit stage
Engaged customers or beneficiaries with demonstrated outcomes in both impact and revenue
Ability to commit to the 16-week program, including the in-person Immersive
Available for weekly workshops on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM MT
Preference for applicants from the USA, East Africa, Brazil, and China

📝 Application Procedure

Submit Application: Complete the online application form
Application Review: Admissions Committee evaluates applications to identify innovative entrepreneurs with scalable ventures
Interview: Selected candidates will be invited to a 20-minute Zoom interview
Final Selection & Enrollment: Final decisions announced by August 2025