Call for applications for The Western Union Foundation Fellowship 2024 is open now!
The Western Union Foundation Fellowship is a leadership and venture development program for entrepreneurs and community leaders from and/or working with highly marginalized, refugee, and forcibly displaced communities around the globe. This virtual and global program is designed to equip next-generation entrepreneurs and leaders with the skills and experience to increase access to economic opportunity, build valuable networks and resources, and transform their communities.
This is a fully-funded program thanks to the support of the Western Union Foundation.
Important Dates and Programme Details
- Dates: August 8th, 2024 to November 19th, 2024 (16-weeks of programming).
- Format: Weekly virtual workshops with localized gatherings and events when possible (8-10 hours per week time commitment). Sessions are held Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:30am – 10:30am in Mountain Time Zone (GMT-6).
- Immersive & Orientation: 2-week virtual Immersive starting August 8th, 2024 (20–25 hours per week time commitment).
- Training: Weekly expert-led modules covering Foundations, Data & Metrics, Go-To-Market, Funding, Team Management, and Pitch.
- Impact Series: Renowned leaders, entrepreneurs, and practitioners join the fellowships we empower to share their entrepreneurial journey and experience, as well as mentor the Fellows.
- Basecamp: 1-3 day Fellow-led workshops hosted in each Fellow’s community, to ideate solutions, design business models, and compellingly communicate their businesses and organizations to an external audience.
- Summit: Culminating celebratory event, where select Fellows pitch to local and global leaders, potential funders, and renowned entrepreneurs (November 19th, 2024).
- Venture Development Stipend: A pool of $36,000 in venture development stipends will be distributed among select Western Union Foundation Fellows, based on progress and impact throughout the Fellowship.
The Western Union Foundation is a separate charitable corporation from The Western Union Company that receives support from The Western Union Company, its employees, agents, consumers, and business partners. Watson Institute is the leading impact fellowship for next-generation entrepreneurs. Watson Institute shares Western Union Foundation’s belief that education is the surest pathway to economic opportunity. To date, the Western Union Foundation Fellowship has supported 120 Fellows and over 6,000 earlier-stage entrepreneurs through the Basecamps they run around the world and initiatives they help lead.
Location:
OnlineBenefits
- The Western Union Foundation Fellowship is a fully funded opportunity. This means that all program-related costs, including training, mentorship, and seed funding, are covered by the fellowship.
- A pool of $36,000 in venture development stipends will be distributed among select Western Union Foundation Fellows, based on progress and impact throughout the Fellowship.
- Fellows receive award-winning training that equips them with essential leadership skills. This training empowers them to drive meaningful change within their communities.
- The program provides seed funding to launch ventures that serve a social purpose. This financial support enables Fellows to kickstart their community-focused initiatives.
- Fellows become part of a powerful community of peers. This network facilitates collaboration, knowledge sharing, and mutual support among like-minded entrepreneurs.
- Committed mentorship is a cornerstone of the program. Fellows benefit from guidance and insights from experienced mentors who help them navigate challenges and maximize their impact.
- The 16-week program includes venture acceleration, allowing Fellows to apply their learnings in real-time. This practical approach ensures that their ventures continue to develop and thrive.
- Fellows organize Basecamps in their home communities. These intensive workshops help rising entrepreneurs ideate solutions, design business models, and effectively communicate their initiatives to external audiences.
- The Western Union Foundation Fellowship extends its impact beyond individual Fellows. Upon completion, each Fellow has the potential to reach 2,000 aspiring entrepreneurs through Basecamps.
Eligibilities
- You are from and/or working with highly marginalized, refugee, and forcibly displaced communities around the globe.
- Your venture is in Problem-Solution or Product-Market Fit Stage.
- You are located and/or creating impact in the United States, Uganda, Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, United Kingdom, Germany, Lithuania, Japan, Philippines, Colombia, Mexico, Costa Rica, Argentina, Brazil.
- You are able to commit to attending a majority of the workshops that are hosted on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays from 8:30am to 10:30am MT.
The Western Union Foundation Fellowship seeks exceptional candidates who are entrepreneurs or community leaders currently at the Problem-Solution or Product-Market Fit stage, demonstrating a tangible history of impact and leadership within their community. This typically includes a track record of successfully raising funds through grants, investments, donations, or other means to support their ventures. Additionally, candidates might have a team of up to ten full-time members.
Furthermore, we prioritize individuals who are fully committed to actively participating in the entire four-month program. At the heart of the program is a strong sense of community, and its success hinges on the active engagement and enthusiasm of all participants, who are eager to both learn and share.
Eligible Regions: United States, Uganda, Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, United Kingdom, Germany, Lithuania, Japan, Philippines, Colombia, Mexico, Costa Rica, Argentina, Brazil.Application Process
- Complete the online application. This application should take approximately 45 minutes to fill out. The deadline for application submissions is June 1st, 2024.
- The Admissions Committee diligently reviews all applications, seeking entrepreneurs who demonstrate strong leadership qualities and ventures that are both innovative and scalable. Applications received after the deadline will be assessed on a rolling basis as needed.
- Qualified applicants will receive invitations for a 20-minute one-on-one Zoom interview. This interview allows us to delve deeper into your motivations for pursuing the fellowship and to gain a better understanding of your venture.
- The most promising applicant profiles will be shared with the external Admissions Committee for their final review and selection.
- Notifications of acceptance will be sent out during the week of July 1st, 2024.
- The final step to complete your enrollment is to confirm your commitment to the program. Upon confirmation, you will receive an invitation to participate in a “Meet the Cohort Webinar” event leading up to the program’s commencement. The program begins August 8th, 2024.
Application Deadline: June 1, 2024
Application ClosedOfficial link
