Application Deadline: December 15, 2025
LOCATION: Canada
The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship gives African students and recent graduates the opportunity to access training, resources, financial support and a network of mentors to develop their entrepreneurial skills and start building their own venture. The 8-month program develops the exceptional entrepreneurial skillset and mindset of leaders to drive social and financial impact.
ELIGIBILITY:
They welcome students and recent graduates from all academic disciplines and any post-secondary institution in Africa. Whether you’re already building a business or just exploring a new idea, this program will help you take the next step.
They seek participants who are:
Committed to developing their entrepreneurial mindset
Ready to make the most of the program’s resources and mentorship
Willing to dedicate at least 10 hours per week to their entrepreneurial journey
The program is fully virtual and can be completed at your own pace over the 8-month program cycle, but participants must meet assignment deadlines to advance through the program phases.
BENEFIT:
Best-in-class Training: Business bootcamp delivered by Queen’s University faculty and industry leaders who bring decades of combined entrepreneurship and C-Suite experience.
Mentorship & Networking: Liaise with mentors and speakers leading innovation and entrepreneurship in North America
Access a Global Network of Queen’s entrepreneurial alumni
Join a cohort of thousands of like-minded students and recent grads from across Africa
Financial Support & Opportunities: Up to 60 Fellows will be selected in the final phase to receive a stipend of $500 CAD
Opportunities to pitch for prizes of up to $15,000 CAD in the pitch competition at the end of the program