Apply: Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship
Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship, an initiative designed to empower young African innovators with the knowledge, mentorship, and resources needed to bring their entrepreneurial ideas to life. The fellowship offers students and recent graduates across Africa the chance to develop the critical skills and mindset required to build scalable, impactful ventures that create both social and financial value.
The eight-month virtual program is led by the Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre (DDQIC) at Queen’s University, Canada. It combines rigorous entrepreneurial training with hands-on mentorship and access to a thriving global network of entrepreneurs and industry experts. Participants will not only gain the tools to launch their own ventures but also receive guidance and opportunities that prepare them to lead innovative businesses that address Africa’s most pressing challenges.
Eligibility Requirements
The fellowship welcomes students and recent graduates from all academic disciplines and post-secondary institutions across Africa. Whether applicants are already running a business or are still in the early stages of developing an idea, they are encouraged to apply.
The program is delivered entirely online and allows participants to progress at their own pace. However, those most dedicated to the process are expected to commit at least 10 hours per week. Participants must complete assignments and pitch submissions within specified deadlines to move through the program’s three phases.
All learning materials and assignments are presented in English, though mentorship may also be available in French. Applicants who are not fluent in English are still encouraged to apply—by partnering with teammates who can fulfill English-based requirements or by working with their local universities for language assistance and resource access.
Program Benefits
Best-In-Class Training
Fellows will receive comprehensive entrepreneurship education led by Queen’s University faculty and industry experts with extensive business and leadership experience.
Key program highlights include:
* A Business Bootcamp that introduces participants to startup principles and business strategy.
* The Disciplined Entrepreneurship Framework, a proven 24-step process for developing scalable startups, designed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
* Pitch training and coaching to help fellows effectively communicate their ideas to investors and partners.
* Interactive workshops on marketing, business growth, leadership, and team building.
* The opportunity to earn micro-credentials from Queen’s University upon successful completion of the training modules.
Mentorship and Networking
Participants will have access to a global network of mentors, entrepreneurs, and innovators, connecting them with experienced professionals across North America and Africa.
Benefits include:
* Direct engagement with industry leaders and startup founders.
* Entry into a thriving community of like-minded young African entrepreneurs.
* Personalized mentorship matching in the final program phase to support venture development.
* Constructive feedback and strategic guidance at every stage of startup growth.
Financial Support
Fellows who successfully progress through the program are eligible for significant financial incentives, including:
* A $500 CAD stipend for up to 60 finalists in the last phase of the program.
* The chance to pitch for prizes worth up to $15,000 CAD in the program’s final competition.
* Opportunities for select fellows to travel to Queen’s University, Canada, to network and collaborate at the Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre (DDQIC).
Program Timeline and Phases
#### Phase 1: Explore (January – February 2026)
Over 1,000 participants will begin by exploring the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. They’ll complete online coursework and engage with the first 11 steps of the MIT-developed framework.
**Guiding Questions:**
* Who is my target customer?
* What problem am I solving for them?
**Milestones:**
* Conduct customer interviews and gather insights.
* Define and validate the problem using real-world feedback.
* Test early assumptions and ideate possible solutions.
* Map the customer journey to understand user experience.
#### Phase 2: Ignite (March – April 2026)
Roughly 180 participants demonstrating exceptional engagement and growth in Phase 1 will move on to a more advanced stage of business development.
**Guiding Questions:**
* How will my product reach customers?
* How can this venture become financially sustainable?
**Milestones:**
* Develop marketing and distribution channels.
* Build and test a business model or funding plan.
* Create a functional prototype for user testing.
* Run experiments to validate critical business assumptions.
Participants will then pitch their ventures for a chance to become full Fellows in the final stage.
#### Phase 3: Launch and Fellowship (May – August 2026)
Up to 60 Fellows will be chosen for an intensive incubation experience, where they’ll transform their validated ideas into fully operational startups.
**Guiding Questions:**
* How do I execute my business strategy effectively?
* How can my venture scale sustainably?
**Milestones:**
* Pilot solutions in real-world environments.
* Secure initial customers or partnerships.
* Develop a strategy for scaling the business.
* Compete in a pitch contest for additional funding.
Each Fellow receives a $500 CAD stipend, dedicated mentorship, and continuous feedback from DDQIC’s global network. Outstanding startups may receive further investment opportunities post-graduation.
Graduation and Post-Program Opportunities (August 2026)
At the conclusion of the program, Fellows will graduate from the incubation process and continue to access DDQIC’s post-program benefits, including mentorship, competitions, and ambassador opportunities. High-performing Fellows may return in future cohorts as mentors or program ambassadors, helping shape the next generation of African entrepreneurs.
### Application Details
* **Deadline:** December 15, 2025 (12:59 p.m. ET)
* **Results Announcement:** End of December 2025
* **Program Duration:** January – August 2026
* **Cost:** Free of charge
All official communications will be sent from **[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])**.
For any inquiries, applicants may contact the same email address.
**For more information:**
