Are you an innovative entrepreneur from a Commonwealth country looking to scale your startup? The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025 is now open for applications. This prestigious, fully funded, six-month fellowship empowers founders of early-stage startups through expert coaching, global networking, and seed-stage support.
Organized by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in collaboration with Imperial College London, this opportunity is a game-changer for founders in low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries.
What Is the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025?
The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025 is a hybrid six-month program designed to accelerate early-stage startups led by entrepreneurial graduates. The fellowship combines online learning with an immersive in-person bootcamp in Accra, Ghana, and includes follow-up capstone activities hosted globally.
With only 20 spots available, the program offers intensive business development support, mentorship from global experts, and access to funding to help scale impactful ventures across the Commonwealth.
Key Fellowship Benefits
- ✈️ Fully funded return travel to Accra, Ghana
- 🏨 Accommodation, local transport, and meals during the bootcamp
- 💰 Visa fee and vaccination cost reimbursements
- 💼 Business-related expense support via the Fellow’s Grant Fund
- 🧠 Mentorship from Imperial College London experts
- 🤝 Access to investors, peers, and global networks
- ♿ Additional support available for fellows with disabilities
Who Can Apply?
Applicant Eligibility
To apply, you must:
- Be a citizen, permanent resident, or refugee in an eligible low- or middle-income Commonwealth country
- Hold a graduate degree and be fluent in English
- Not have participated in a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship in the last five years
- Be available for the full six-month duration of the fellowship
Startup Eligibility
Your startup must:
- Have been in active development for at least 6 months
- Possess a minimum viable product (MVP) or prototype
- Show evidence of traction (e.g., early sales, contracts, or user metrics)
- Demonstrate innovation and potential for impact
- Have a committed team ready to grow
Timeline of the Fellowship
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | June 2, 2025 (10:00 AM BST) |
| Applications Close | June 30, 2025 (4:00 PM BST) |
| Information Session | June 3, 2025 (11:00 AM BST) |
| In-Person Bootcamp | November 14–30, 2025 (Accra) |
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online via the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission Portal. Here’s what you’ll need to complete the application:
- Academic background – Degree certificates and transcripts
- Startup details – Current status, traction, MVP, market, and vision
- 1-minute pitch video – Describe your venture and why it matters
- Motivation responses – Address program-specific prompts
- References – Contact information for three referees
- Identification – Valid passport or government-issued ID scan
📩 Contact grantsdatabase.org for proposal drafting, refining, and review to boost your application success.
Expert Tip from Grant Database
“Applicants should clearly articulate the problem they’re solving and demonstrate early traction with measurable evidence. Make your pitch video concise and compelling, and ensure your proposal aligns with scalable impact. Engage professionals early to polish your story and documentation—this makes a huge difference during the review stage.”
— GrantsDatabase.org Editorial Team
Final Thoughts
The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025 offers more than funding—it delivers mentorship, international visibility, and a strong launchpad for early-stage ventures. With competition expected to be fierce, founders are encouraged to prepare thoroughly and submit high-quality, complete applications before the June 30 deadline.
Don’t miss out on this life-changing opportunity. Let your startup grow on a global stage—start your application today.
🛠 Need help? Contact GrantsDatabase.org for expert support with your proposal, pitch, and supporting materials.
