2026 Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship

The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship is an initiative designed to equip African students and recent graduates with the confidence, skills, and resources needed to transform innovative ideas into viable, impactful businesses. The programme offers a blend of entrepreneurial training, virtual mentorship, and financial support to help young leaders create sustainable solutions for social and economic challenges in their communities.

Delivered entirely online, the fellowship unfolds through three progressive phases, each building upon the last — from foundational entrepreneurial principles to the actual launch of a startup. Fellows will benefit from expert guidance, peer collaboration, and global networking opportunities, ensuring a holistic learning experience that bridges knowledge with practical implementation.

Participation in the programme is completely free of charge, and all official communications are sent from jimleechfellowship@queensu.ca.

Eligibility Criteria

• Be a citizen of an African country.
• Be a student or recent graduate from a recognised university.
• Demonstrate a strong interest in entrepreneurship and social innovation.
• Show evidence of leadership potential and commitment to driving positive change in their communities.
• Have access to a reliable internet connection to participate in the virtual programme.

Programme Phases and Timeline

Applications Close: 15 December 2025, 12:59 PM ET

Notification of Results: End of December 2025

Phase 1 – Explore Entrepreneurship (January 2026 – February 2026)

Introduces participants to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship — including creative thinking, identifying problems worth solving, and validating business ideas.

Phase 2 – Ignite Entrepreneurship (March 2026 – April 2026)

Guides fellows through refining their business concepts, developing prototypes, and receiving mentorship to shape sustainable and scalable ventures.

Phase 3 – Launch Entrepreneurship (May 2026 – August 2026)

Focuses on bringing ventures to life. Fellows prepare for business launches, investor engagement, and real-world implementation strategies.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the 2026 Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship is 15 December 2025, 12:59 PM ET.

Additional Information

• Participation is completely free for all selected fellows.
• All programme activities are conducted virtually.
• Official correspondence will come from jimleechfellowship@queensu.ca.

For further details or questions, applicants can reach out via the same email address.

APPLY FOR THE JIM LEECH MASTERCARD FOUNDATION FELLOWSHIP ON ENTREPRENEURSHIP