Watson Institute Flagship Fellowship 2025 For Entrepreneurs

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Applications are open for Watson Institute Flagship Fellowship 2025. Are you an impact-driven entrepreneur? We have the opportunity for you! The Flagship Fellowship Program brings together 30 entrepreneurs in the critical “missing middle” stage—ventures that have demonstrated initial traction but need support to scale their impact. While each Fellowship is distinct in its focus area and geographic scope, all impact-driven entrepreneurs participate in the same transformative program experience, creating a cohesive community addressing crucial challenges in their target communities.

Watson Institute is currently accepting applications for the 2025 Flagship Fellowship. This 16-week fully-funded Fellowship is designed for impact-driven entrepreneurs looking to achieve product-market fit and scale their ventures, by providing the following:

Global Network – Access to a global network of entrepreneurs and industry leadeR
Skill-Building Training – Gain award-winning education and training designed to strengthen critical business and leadership skills to scale ventures
Expert Mentorship – Guidance from seasoned professionals, venture capitalists, and executives
In-Person Immersive in Boulder, CO – Kickstart the Fellowship with a transformative in-person experience in August 2025.
Virtual Programming – The remaining 15 weeks of the Fellowship is virtual and offers:
- - Award-winning training
  - Committed, hands-on mentorship
  - A powerful community of peers supporting next-generation entrepreneurs

Watson Institute Flagship Fellowship Benefits

Through this fully-funded Fellowship, supported by Partners and powered by Watson Institute, you’ll gain the tools, mentorship, and network needed to scale your venture’s impact. The Fellowship is specifically optimized for impact ventures, with carefully selected facilitators, mentors, and speakers who bring deep expertise.

Pitch Development & Professional Recording
- Refine how you communicate your venture’s impact and vision to stakeholders.
- Create a professionally recorded pitch video you can use beyond the Fellowship.
- Master the art of engaging and persuading key audiences.
Skill Enhancement & Leadership Growth
- Develop essential skills through hands-on workshops focused on strategic planning, venture development, and problem-solving.
- Build resilience and adaptability for the entrepreneurial journey.
- Learn to effectively lead and scale an impact-driven organization.
Mentorship & Expert Guidance
- Receive one-on-one guidance from experienced mentors and industry professionals.
- Participate in group mentorship circles for collaborative learning.
- Work directly with an Entrepreneur in Residence who supports your venture’s growth.
Community & Network Expansion
- Join a dynamic community of impact-driven entrepreneurs and changemakers.
- Connect with Fellows, Alumni, and experts who share your commitment to social impact.
- Build lasting relationships that extend beyond the Fellowship.
Visibility & Collaboration
- Share your work through Watson Institute summits and events.
- Connect with mission-aligned leaders, funders, and industry influencers.
- Position yourself as a thought leader in social impact.
Real-World Experience Through Basecamp
- Design and lead a Basecamp community event with provided training and resources.
- Put your leadership skills into action through hands-on experience.
- Receive a stipend to support your community initiative.

Eligibility Criteria

Entrepreneur Profile
You are an entrepreneur or community leader dedicated to creating impact through innovative solutions. You have a strong connection to your community and a track record of creating positive change. See below for specific Fellowship details.
Venture Stage
Your nonprofit or for-profit organization has an established business model and is actively serving customers or beneficiaries in historically underserved communities. You’re now ready to scale your impact with the support of dedicated mentorship and resources.
Location & Eligibility
Applicants must be 18 years or older and located in and/or creating impact in any geographical location with a preference for applicants from the USA, East Africa (Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), South Sudan), Brazil, and China.