The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship is now accepting applications from African students and recent graduates eager to turn bold ideas into real solutions. This 8-month program, offered by the Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre (DDQIC) at Queen’s University, is designed to nurture entrepreneurial talent, develop leadership potential, and empower innovators to build ventures that create meaningful social and economic impact.
The fellowship provides comprehensive entrepreneurship training, mentorship, financial support, and access to a global network of industry leaders. By combining rigorous business education with hands-on learning, it equips emerging African entrepreneurs with the tools to launch and grow scalable businesses that address critical local and global challenges.
At its core, the fellowship develops the mindset and skillset needed to succeed as an entrepreneur in today’s dynamic world. Participants receive training through the Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework, a world-renowned model developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), alongside business bootcamps delivered by Queen’s University faculty and industry leaders.
Fellows gain access to workshops on marketing, goal-setting, and recruiting, as well as one-on-one pitch coaching and mentorship from successful entrepreneurs. Upon completion, participants earn micro-credentials in Entrepreneurship awarded by Queen’s University—credentials that validate their achievements and enhance their professional profiles globally.
The program is delivered virtually, allowing participants from all corners of Africa to learn, collaborate, and innovate from wherever they are.
The fellowship offers a wealth of opportunities designed to accelerate entrepreneurial growth and impact:
Intensive Business Bootcamp with world-class faculty and industry experts.
Access to mentors and coaches leading innovation across North America and Africa.
Global alumni network connecting fellows to thousands of entrepreneurs.
Micro-credentials and digital certificates backed by blockchain technology for authenticity.
$500 CAD stipend for up to 60 fellows during the incubation phase.
Pitch competition with prizes of up to $15,000 CAD for the most promising ventures.
Opportunities to travel to Queen’s University in Canada for networking and collaboration.
The fellowship emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility. Previous cohorts have included 60% women, and the program continues to remove barriers by offering language support, downloadable content for limited internet access, and no-cost certification for participants.
The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship welcomes students and recent graduates from all academic disciplines and African post-secondary institutions. Whether participants are refining an existing business or exploring a new idea, the program provides the structure, mentorship, and resources to bring their ventures to life.
Applicants should demonstrate:
Commitment to entrepreneurship and a willingness to dedicate at least 10 hours per week.
Interest in building ventures that create social or financial impact.
Capacity to complete assignments and pitch presentations in English (though French mentorship is available).
Participants are encouraged to collaborate in teams or seek local university resources to navigate language or technical barriers.
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The fellowship unfolds in three dynamic phases:
Phase 1: Explore (January–February)
Over 1,000 participants begin by identifying customer needs and validating their business ideas using the first 11 steps of the Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework.
Phase 2: Ignite (March–April)
Around 180 top performers advance to refine their prototypes, develop business models, and pitch their ideas. The most promising ventures earn fellowship selection.
Phase 3: Launch (May–August)
Up to 60 fellows receive coaching, funding, and mentorship as they participate in the summer incubation program. This stage culminates in a pitch competition with funding opportunities of up to $15,000 CAD.
Upon graduation, fellows join the DDQIC global network and may serve as ambassadors or mentors for future cohorts.
The fellowship has demonstrated measurable outcomes in driving entrepreneurship across Africa:
84% of 2023 participants hired at least one youth after completing the program.
97% of 2022 fellows found the program extremely valuable in advancing their ventures.
100% growth in participants with paying users or customers from pre- to post-program.
Through this initiative, DDQIC continues to advance global Sustainable Development Goals, particularly No Poverty (SDG 1), Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3), and Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8).
For more information and to apply, visit the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship website.
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