The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship is open to African students and recent graduates who want to build practical entrepreneurial skills. This 8-month virtual program is delivered by the Dunin-Deshpande Innovation Centre at Queen’s University.
Participants gain training, mentorship, networking, micro-credentials, and access to pitch opportunities. In addition, selected fellows may receive a stipend and compete for prizes of up to $15,000 CAD.
Application Deadline: 1 December 2026
Tell Me About The Award:
The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship is an 8-month virtual entrepreneurship programme for African students and recent graduates who want to develop their entrepreneurial skills and turn ideas into ventures.
The programme is delivered by the Dunin-Deshpande Innovation Centre at Queen’s University and provides entrepreneurial training, mentorship, networking, pitch coaching, micro-credentials, and opportunities to access funding and pitch competitions.
Participants progress through different stages, moving from exploring and validating an idea to developing a prototype and preparing to launch and scale a venture.
Which Fields are Eligible?
Students and recent graduates from all academic disciplines are eligible.
The programme focuses on:
- Entrepreneurship
- Business development
- Innovation
- Startup development
- Social and financial impact
- Marketing
- Recruiting
- Business modelling
- Product development
- Venture scaling
Type:
Entrepreneurship fellowship and virtual business incubation programme.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be a student or recent graduate.
- Be from a post-secondary institution in Africa.
- Be from any academic discipline.
- Be willing to dedicate at least 10 hours per week to their entrepreneurial journey.
- Be committed to developing their entrepreneurial mindset.
- Be ready to make full use of the programme’s resources and mentorship.
Applicants can already be building a business or be at the stage of exploring a new idea.
How Are Applicants Selected?
The programme has three main phases:
Phase 1 – Explore (January–February):
More than 1,000 candidates receive access to entrepreneurship courses and work through the first 11 steps of the Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework. Candidates demonstrate their commitment by completing training and progressing their ideas.
Phase 2 – Ignite (March–April):
More than 180 finalists who perform strongly in Phase 1 are selected to continue. They complete additional courses, develop their business ideas, and pitch their ventures. The most advanced and promising ideas become finalists for the fellowship.
Phase 3 – Launch and Fellowship (May–August):
Up to 60 Fellows are selected for the summer incubation programme. Fellows develop their ventures, access seed funding, participate in weekly pitch presentations, and receive dedicated coaching and mentorship.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
The programme is open to students and recent graduates from post-secondary institutions across Africa. The source does not provide a specific country-by-country list.
Where Will the Award Be Taken?
The programme is fully virtual and can be completed at the participant’s own pace during the 8-month programme cycle, provided assignment deadlines are met.
The programme is delivered by the Dunin-Deshpande Innovation Centre at Queen’s University in Canada.
How Many Awards?
Up to 60 Fellows are selected in the final fellowship phase.
What Is the Benefit of the Award?
Fellows receive:
- Business bootcamp delivered by Queen’s University faculty and industry leaders.
- Training in the Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework.
- Pitch coaching and mastery.
- Live workshops on marketing, goal setting, and recruiting.
- Opportunity to earn Queen’s University entrepreneurship micro-credentials.
- Mentorship from industry leaders and entrepreneurs.
- Access to Queen’s entrepreneurial alumni network.
- A community of students and recent graduates from across Africa.
- Dedicated coaches and mentors during the final fellowship phase.
- Feedback at important startup milestones.
- Access to seed funding opportunities.
- Opportunities to pitch for prizes of up to CAD $15,000.
- Post-incubation services and support after graduation.
Up to 60 Fellows are also stated to receive a CAD $500 stipend in the programme benefits section.
However, the Phase 3 section of the same source states that Fellows receive a USD $350 stipend. The source therefore contains a stipend discrepancy that applicants should verify with the programme before relying on a specific amount.
How Long Will the Award Last?
The programme lasts 8 months.
The programme phases are:
- Explore: January–February
- Ignite: March–April
- Launch and Fellowship: May–August
- Graduation: August
After graduation, Fellows continue to receive post-incubation services, support, and pitch competition opportunities through the DDQIC network.
How to Apply:
Applicants should complete the online application before the 1 December 2026 deadline.
Applicants should be prepared to commit at least 10 hours per week and complete assignments and pitches in English.
The programme content is delivered in English, while mentorship may be available in English and French. Applicants who are not fluent in English may form a team with someone who meets the English-language requirements or seek language support through their university or local organisations.
