The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship provides a unique opportunity for African students and recent graduates, from any academic discipline, to develop their entrepreneurial skills, build ventures with social and financial impact, and join a global network of innovators. The eight-month virtual program is delivered by Queen’s University’s Dunin-Deshpande Innovation Centre and includes bootcamps, mentorship, pitch coaching, and potential seed funding.
What You’ll Receive
- Business training drawing on the disciplined entrepreneurship framework (MIT origin) and delivered by expert faculty and industry leaders.
- Virtual bootcamps, live workshops (marketing, goal-setting, recruiting), and micro-credentials in entrepreneurship from Queen’s University.
- Mentorship, global networking, and access to alumni and industry leaders across Africa and beyond.
- Financial support: Up to CAD $500 stipend for selected fellows, and opportunities to pitch for up to CAD $15,000 in seed funding.
Who Can Apply
- Students or recent graduates from any discipline and any African post-secondary institution.
- Individuals with an interest in entrepreneurship, whether you have a business idea or want to create one.
- Applicants are willing to commit at least 10 hours per week to the online program and complete assignments in English (mentorship may be available in English or French).
Timeline & Application
- Applications are due December 15, 2025, at 12:59 pm ET. Successful candidates will be notified of our decision by the end of December 2025. Phase 1 – Explore Entrepreneurship January 2026 – February 2026 Phase 2 – Ignite Entrepreneurship March 2026 – April 2026 Phase 3 – Launch Entrepreneurship May 2026 – August 2026
- Location: Fully online/virtual, meaning you can apply from anywhere in Africa.
How to Apply
Visit the official program page via Queen’s Innovation Centre to review eligibility, prepare your application and submit your interest.
Apply Here