Application Deadline: June 1st, 2024
The Watson Institute in collaboration with Western Union Foundation Fellowship is inviting applications for a leadership and venture development program for entrepreneurs and community leaders from and/or working with highly marginalized, refugee, and forcibly displaced communities around the globe. This virtual and global program is designed to equip next-generation entrepreneurs and leaders with the skills and experience to increase access to economic opportunity, build valuable networks and resources, and transform their communities.
A pool of $36,000 in venture development stipends will be distributed among select Western Union Foundation Fellows, based on progress and impact throughout the Fellowship. There will be weekly virtual workshops with localized gatherings and events when possible (8-10 hours per week time commitment). Sessions are held Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:30am – 10:30am in Mountain Time Zone (GMT-6). Training will be expert-led modules covering Foundations, Data & Metrics, Go-To-Market, Funding, Team Management, and Pitch.
There will also be a basecamp, which is a 1-3 day Fellow-led workshops hosted in each Fellow’s community, to ideate solutions, design business models, and compellingly communicate their businesses and organizations to an external audience.
With the unwavering support of the Western Union Foundation and Watson Institute team, you will receive a comprehensive roadmap to guide the growth and scalability of your work and impact. Additionally, you will facilitate an impactful workshop and training session (known as a Basecamp) in your community for your stakeholders, backed by a stipend, playbook, and team support to bring your vision to life.
Benefits
Selected fellows will
- Receive hands-on training and capacity development to equip them with the essential skills and knowledge of fundraising for NGOs and social impact initiatives, delivered by industry-leading partners
- Develop and implement their own fundraising campaign for Bridging Gaps, gaining real world experience
- Fellows will receive a certificate of completion, as well as a stipend of 10% of the funds they raise through their campaign
Eligibility
- An entrepreneur or community leader from and/or working with highly marginalized, refugee, and forcibly displaced communities around the globe.
- An entrepreneurial spirit, a growth mindset, and are driven to grow as an effective leader within your community. The ideal venture stages for this fellowship are Problem-Solution Fit or Product-Market Fit phases, with engaged customers or beneficiaries, and demonstrated outcomes in both impact and revenue.
- Able to commit to the 16-week program including a 2-week virtual immersive. We prioritize individuals who are fully committed to actively participating in the entire program. At the heart of the program is a strong sense of community, and its success hinges on the active engagement and enthusiasm of all participants, who are eager to both learn and share.
Requirements
- Applicants with venture is in Problem-Solution or Product-Market Fit Stage Applicants from and/or working with highly marginalized, refugee, and forcibly displaced communities around the globe
- Applicants that are are located and/or creating impact in the United States, Uganda, Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, United Kingdom, Germany, Lithuania, Japan, Philippines, Colombia, Mexico, Costa Rica, Argentina, Brazil
- Applicants that are able to commit to attending a majority of the workshops that are hosted on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays from 8:30am to 10:30am MT.
Qualified applicants will receive invitations for a 20-minute one-on-one Zoom interview. This interview allows for deeper delving into applicant’s motivations for pursuing the fellowship and to gain a better understanding of applicant’s venture. Notifications of acceptance will be sent out during the week of July 1st, 2024.
