Tag Archives: Entrepreneurs

WATSON INSTITUTE ENLIGHT FELLOWSHIP

Priority Application Deadline: July 5, 2026. 

LOCATION: China

The Enlight Fellowship, supported by the Enlight Foundation and powered by the Watson Institute, is a fully funded entrepreneurial and leadership development program designed specifically for rising leaders creating solutions to mental well-being globally. The Fellowship fosters cross-cultural collaboration and global impact through expert-led training, facilitators, speakers, and mentors; personalized life coaching; and long-term alumni support. 

ELIGIBILITY:

Applicants must be 18 years or older.

You are a youth entrepreneur or community leader deeply committed to improving mental wellbeing. You are building a solution that addresses mental wellbeing challenges in your community, with a strong focus on creating meaningful, scalable impact in China and across a global cohort. You bring an entrepreneurial spirit, a growth mindset, and a desire to grow as an effective leader.

Your business or organization has been operating for 1-5 years with fewer than 10 employees. You have engaged customers, measurable results, and have secured some funding through grants, investments, donations, or revenue, but you’re ready to grow to the next level.

You must be able to fully commit to the 16-week Fellowship, including the mandatory week-long In-person Immersive in Boulder, Colorado or Qingshan Village, Hangzhou, China, as well as active participation throughout the program. You can attend all weekly virtual workshops held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, Fellows will participate in one of two groups, each with a designated start time: from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM MT or 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM MT. We prioritize participants who are fully committed to active engagement throughout the entire program. The program’s success depends on building a strong community where all participants are enthusiastic about both learning and sharing their experiences with others.

Fellows may be based anywhere in the world. The cohort will include youth leaders focused on improving mental wellbeing in China as well as those addressing youth mental wellbeing challenges globally.

You are seeking expert-led entrepreneurial training, mentorship from facilitators and speakers with deep mental wellbeing expertise, a supportive peer community, and a strong network to help you grow as a leader and scale your venture’s impact.

BENEFIT:

This program is fully funded through the generous support of the Enlight Foundation.

Business & Leadership Workshops: Participate in hands-on sessions focused on entrepreneurship, business acumen, and financial literacy skills led by expert practitioners who are successful entrepreneurs and or rising leader themselves.

Financial Tools & Resources: Access practical financial tools, frameworks, and workshops designed to strengthen your venture’s financial foundation. Benefit from the expertise of practitioners and the Watson Institute’s broader network of specialists supporting entrepreneurs at every stage.

Basecamps: Creating Lasting Impact: Design and lead a community-focused 1-day workshop (Basecamp) for earlier-stage ventures, with training and a stipend provided to support you in deepening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in your community.

Pitch Training & in-person Summit: Develop and refine a professional, compelling pitch through dedicated training sessions. Present your venture progress and impact at the in-person Summit to community partners, mentors, potential investors, and Enlight Foundation team members.

APPLY

CASCADOR SCALEUP PROGRAM

Application Deadline:  June 15 at 5 PM WAT

LOCATION: Nigeria

The Cascador ScaleUp Program is designed for growth-stage founders with proven traction who are ready for the next stage of leadership, strategy, and scale. Through a 12-week experience that combines in-person intensives, virtual learning, expert guidance, and tailored support, founders prepare to apply for $2–5 million annually in debt or equity capital through the Cascador Catalytic Fund.

ELIGIBILITY:

Business Founder or Co-founder

2+ years in operation

$70k+ USD equivalent / ₦100M+ in annual revenue

Based in Nigeria or a Sub-Saharan African country

Committed to participating fully in the program

Things to Know:

Cohort limited to 12 entrepreneurs with virtual participation from 3 executive team members per company

Applications for Cascador ScaleUp 2026 close June 15 at 5 PM WAT

Qualified founders begin with a preliminary application

Semi-finalists will be invited to submit a full application with financial documents by June 29th at 5 PM WAT

Finalists will be interviewed in July

Accepted cohort members will be notified by August 1st

BENEFIT:

A high-impact experience designed to support founders with both practical resources and pathways to growth.

12-Week Experience: In-person and virtual learning designed for growth-stage founders.

Travel Covered: Travel, lodging, and meals included for in-person sessions.

$5,000 Stipend: Personal development support for each participating founder.

$50,000 in Prizes: Pitch Day awards to recognize standout founders.

Catalytic Fund Eligibility: Eligibility to apply for the Cascador Catalytic Fund, which deploys $2–5M USD annually

APPLY