The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship Empowering Startups Across Borders (CSF) is a dynamic six-month programme tailored to nurture and elevate promising startups from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries. By offering intensive support and global exposure, this initiative stands as a transformative opportunity for entrepreneurs ready to scale their businesses.
From June 2 to June 30, 2025, applications will be open for Cohort 2. Therefore, if you’re leading a startup with innovation at its core, this is your moment to apply.
Why the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship Matters
This fellowship is not merely a training course; mostly, it’s a full-spectrum startup accelerator. Designed to empower founders with practical skills, strategic insights, and international networking opportunities, the programme offers a robust structure. It begins with a fully funded, two-week in-person bootcamp in Accra, Ghana, in November 2025. Subsequently, participants engage in five months of virtual learning, mentoring, and venture reviews.
Additionally, selected startups from the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship may receive a share of the £35,000 Fellows Fund, which provides equity-free grants to support critical business operations. What’s more, the top-performing teams will be invited to pitch in London, UK, during the Capstone event in May 2026.
What Fellows Will Gain
Participants will experience a carefully curated journey that includes:
- Leadership and team-building workshops
- Sales and fundraising strategy sessions
- Personalized coaching and venture reviews
- Direct access to mentors and industry leaders across the Commonwealth
Moreover, each fellow will strengthen their understanding of both local and global entrepreneurial ecosystems, positioning them for long-term success.
Who Can Apply?
To be considered for the fellowship, applicants must:
- Be fluent in English
- Be a citizen or refugee in a low/middle-income Commonwealth country
- Hold at least a graduate-level qualification
- Show clear evidence of innovation and early customer traction
- Have a minimum viable product (MVP) already in development
- Commit to participation for the entire programme duration
Most importantly, past Commonwealth Professional Fellowship holders (within five years) are not eligible.
Key Dates to Remember
- 2 June 2025 – Applications Open
- 30 June 2025 – Application Deadline
- 15–29 November 2025 – In-person Bootcamp in Accra
- 30 November 2025 – 15 May 2026 – Online Programme
- May 2026 – Capstone Pitch Event in London
The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship offers a life-changing experience for startup founders ready to scale sustainably and impactfully. Through expert guidance, global exposure, and tangible funding support, CSF sets the stage for long-term growth. If you’re a startup leader in an eligible Commonwealth country, now is the time to ignite your entrepreneurial journey on a global stage.
Apply between 2 June and 30 June 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to turn your startup vision into a Commonwealth success story.
