Call for The Wells Fargo Small Business Fellowship is open now!!!
The Wells Fargo Small Business Fellowship is a fully-funded 16-week program for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit leaders who uplift and amplify their community’s small business ecosystem in Baltimore, Chicago, and Washington D.C.. Through expert-led training, capital connections, and leadership development, Fellows gain the tools to scale their impact while building stronger entrepreneurial ecosystems in their communities.
Watson Institute has impacted over 6,000 small business owners over the past 12 years
Fellows facilitate a Basecamp event in their communities during their time in the program. They will also have the option to meet up with other Fellows through different in-person engagements.
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Fellows may be responsible for some travel expenses and meals during in-person programming. No fees are collected or directly associated with this Fellowship.
Unfortunately, they are not able to consider applications outside the geographies mentioned. However, we run numerous programs a year and are likely to have an opportunity for you in the future. We encourage you to check back regularly and reach out to Watson Institute’s team members for more information.
The Community Development Stipend supports Fellows in organizing and facilitating Basecamps, a required outcome of the program. Basecamps are community events, fostering collaboration, and advancing initiatives that accelerate collective growth in the communities the Fellows are impacting. Whether hosting workshops, networking events, or collaborative projects, this stipend provides resources to engage your community, build connections, and drive meaningful impact.
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Watson Institute connects Fellows to a robust network of potential investors, grantmakers, and partners dedicated to supporting ventures with impact. Through mentorship, pitch opportunities, and relationship-building events, Fellows gain access to introductions and resources that can accelerate their growth and sustainability.
After completing the program, Fellows join a vibrant community of changemakers with ongoing access to resources, learning opportunities, and peer support beyond the program. Alumni often report increased revenue, expanded networks, stronger leadership skills, and greater community impact as a result of their Watson Institute experience.
Alumni of Watson Institute’s Fellowships have raised over $190 million, created over 2,300 paid jobs, and impacted over 11 million people around the world through initiatives they have helped lead. 93% of Watson Institute alums are employed, continuing their education, or building a venture. 85% of Watson Institute Alumni use a skill they learned while in a Watson Institute-powered program up to 12 years later. Watson Institute’s Alumni have been selected to Y Combinator, the Echoing Green Fellowship, and 11 have been named to Forbes’ 30 under 30 lists. Alums continue their education at Harvard University, New York University, and Princeton University, among others.
Benefits
- 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 small business owners themselves.
- Mentorship & Capital Connections: Receive personalized support from Watson Institute’s network of mentors and access introductions to potential funders, investors, and networks to advance your small business.
- Basecamps: Creating Lasting Impact:-Become a community ecosystem builder by designing and leading a 1-3 day workshop for emerging entrepreneurs in your area. Receive comprehensive training and support to multiply your impact while strengthening the entrepreneurial community around you.
- Pitch Training & in-person Summit: Master the art of compelling storytelling through dedicated pitch coaching. Present your venture’s growth and community impact to an audience of entrepreneurs, potential investors, corporate partners, and leaders at Summit, a live pitching and networking event.
Eligibilities
Eligible Regions: Open for Baltimore, Chicago, and Washington D.C of USAApplication Process
- Submit Your Application: Candidates complete the online application in approximately 30 minutes. Submit by the priority deadline of January 8, 2025, for early consideration. Applications will continue to be reviewed on a rolling basis until all spots are filled.
- Application Review: Our Admissions Committee evaluates applications to identify innovative entrepreneurs with scalable ventures and strong potential for impact. Early applicants receive priority consideration.
- Interview: Selected candidates will be invited to a 20-minute Zoom interview to share their entrepreneurial journey, discuss their venture’s vision for growth, and explore how the Fellowship aligns with their goals.
- Final Selection & Enrollment: Final decisions will be announced by February 2, 2026. Accepted applicants must confirm their enrollment to secure their spot. The program begins on February 25, 2026.
Application Deadline: January 8, 2026
Application ClosedOfficial link
