Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship 2027

The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship is an eight-month, fully virtual programme for African students and recent graduates who want to solve pressing problems and turn entrepreneurial ideas into viable ventures. It is delivered by the Dunin-Deshpande Innovation Centre at Queen's University with support from the Mastercard Foundation. What the programme offers Participants receive structured entrepreneurship training, mentorship, networking, resources and opportunities for financial support. The programme is organised in three phases: • Explore (January to February): more than 1,000 participants work through online entrepreneurship courses and the first stages of the Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework. They are expected to interview intended users, define and validate a problem, test assumptions, generate solutions and map the user journey. • Ignite (March to April): more than 180 finalists continue the training, develop routes to market and funding plans, build and test a prototype, and pitch their ideas. • Launch and Fellowship (May to August): up to 60 Fellows join the summer incubation programme. Fellows receive dedicated coaching and mentorship, access to seed-funding opportunities, a USD 350 stipend and the chance to compete for additional seed funding in a final pitch competition. The programme is self-paced and fully virtual, but participants must meet assignment deadlines and should be ready to commit at least 10 hours each week. Programme content, assignments and pitches are in English. Mentorship may be available in English and French. Applicants who need English-language support may form a team with someone who meets the language requirements or seek support through their university or a local organisation. How to apply Use the official programme page to review the requirements and open the Queen's University application form. Applications are due by 1 December 2026. The organiser has not stated a deadline time or timezone, so applicants should submit early.

Applicants should meet the following requirements: • Be a student or recent graduate from a post-secondary institution in Africa. • Be from any academic discipline. • Be interested in developing an entrepreneurial mindset and turning an idea or existing venture into a scalable solution. • Be willing to use the programme's training, mentorship and other resources fully. • Be able to dedicate at least 10 hours per week and meet assignment deadlines throughout the eight-month programme. • Complete programme assignments and pitches in English. Applicants who are not fluent in English may form a team with someone who meets the language requirements or arrange language support through their university or a local organisation. Applicants may apply with an existing business idea or while still exploring a new idea.