Commonwealth Startup Fellowship Offers £35K Boost for Early-Stage Founders

The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship, a six-month program delivered by Imperial College London’s Enterprise Lab in partnership with the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, is opening applications for its third cohort. This initiative provides crucial support to early-stage startups from eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries, blending an intensive in-person bootcamp in Accra, Ghana, with ongoing online coaching and expert sessions.

The program aims to select 20 promising startups that demonstrate innovation and traction in their respective markets. Successful fellows will receive:

• A fully funded two-week bootcamp in Accra covering essential business topics like leadership, fundraising, sales, and team building
• Travel, accommodation, meals, and visa support for one founder from each selected startup
• Monthly one-on-one coaching and peer-to-peer learning opportunities
• Access to expert meetings, venture reviews, and program check-ins
• Support in refining business plans, strengthening sales strategies, and preparing for fundraising
• A network of entrepreneurs, mentors, and industry leaders across the Commonwealth
• The chance to apply for a share of the £35,000 Fellows Fund (up to £2,000 per startup)
• Potential participation in a capstone event in London with investor pitching opportunities

To be eligible, applicants must: hold at least a graduate degree; be citizens or have refugee status from an eligible Commonwealth country; demonstrate fluency in written and spoken English; have a registered business with a working minimum viable product that shows customer interest or traction. Startups in all sectors are welcome to apply.

The application deadline is Tuesday, September 1, 2026. Interested founders can learn more and apply at the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship page.