Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship 2024 for Africans

Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship 2024 for Africans


Harnessing the spirit of entrepreneurship in Africa: is this merely a dream or can it be reality? What if there existed a programme tailored for African students and recent graduates, unlocking unparalleled resources, training, and mentorship? The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship 2024 presents such a prospect. Dive in to unearth its intricacies, benefits, and the pathway to entrepreneurial excellence.





Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship is back with its 2024 edition, presenting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for African students and recent graduates. If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur looking to elevate your game, this fellowship might be the stepping stone you’ve been waiting for.
📚 Programme Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship 2024
🌍 Audience African students and recent graduates
📈 Benefits Training, mentorship, network, financial support
🎓 Training Bootcamp, Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework, workshops, pitch coaching
🤝 Mentorship Liaison with leading innovators, access to global alumni, matched to industry leaders
💸 Financial Aid Stipend for 60 fellows, pitch prizes up to $15,000 CAD
🎯 Eligibility Open to all academic backgrounds from any African post-secondary institution; commitment to 10 hours/week, assignments in English
🗓️ Timeline Phase 1 (Jan-Feb 2024), Phase 2 (Mar-Apr 2024), Phase 3 (May-Aug 2024)





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Programme Overview

Designed to cultivate the entrepreneurial spirit, this 8-month programme is set to refine the skillset of future leaders, aiming to produce individuals who are capable of driving both social and financial impact. Not merely an academic exercise, the fellowship ensures participants are endowed with confidence, resources, knowledge, networking opportunities, and crucially, the financial backing to translate their startup dreams into reality.
Who Should Apply?

If you’re an African student or a recent graduate, fuelled by an ambition to address critical issues and breathe life into innovative entrepreneurial ideas, this programme is tailored for you. The journey comprises three online courses that cover:Fundamentals of entrepreneurship
Virtual coaching sessions
Facilitation in business idea development

It’s a progressive structure, with participants needing to showcase their dedication and commitment to move from one course to the next.
Core Benefits: What’s On Offer?
1. Best in Class TrainingBusiness bootcamp steered by the revered faculty of Queen’s University and industry stalwarts amassing decades of entrepreneurial experience.
Adoption of the Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework — a methodical approach to scalable startups straight from the corridors of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Expert guidance in pitching and exhaustive live workshops centred around marketing, goal establishment, and talent acquisition.
Earn micro-credentials in Entrepreneurship awarded by Queen’s University upon successful course completion.
2. Mentorship and Networking OpportunitiesEngage with a galaxy of mentors and speakers who are at the forefront of North American innovation and entrepreneurship.
Tap into the vast Global Network of Queen’s entrepreneurial alumni.
Be part of a thriving community of ambitious African students and graduates.
Enjoy the privilege of being paired with industry experts and seasoned entrepreneurs during the programme’s concluding phase.
Receive invaluable feedback during critical startup phases.
3. Financial Backing & OpportunitiesA select group of 60 exemplary fellows will be rewarded with a stipend of $500 CAD during the final phase.
The chance to pitch for prizes amounting to $15,000 CAD in the concluding pitch competition.
Opportunities to journey to the Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre, fortifying connections that can potentially transform your business aspirations.
4. Commitment to Inclusivity

The fellowship prides itself on its dedication to inclusivity, continuously innovating to ensure the programme is accessible to the widest possible audience.
Eligibility Criteria

Students and recent graduates from any African academic institution across all disciplines can apply. Whether you’re nurturing a budding business or are on the verge of kickstarting a new venture, this fellowship can assist.

The content is delivered virtually, allowing flexibility in pacing, yet a commitment of at least 10 hours per week is expected for a fruitful experience. Participants need to regularly submit assignments online, adhering to stringent deadlines. Furthermore, while the programme’s primary language is English, provisions have been made to accommodate non-English speaking participants, ensuring no one is left behind.
Application Process

Applications close on December 4, 2023, at midnight (local time).
Programme Phases:Phase 1 – Explore Entrepreneurship: January 2024 – February 2024
Phase 2 – Ignite Entrepreneurship: March 2024 – April 2024
Phase 3 – Launch Entrepreneurship: May 2024 – August 2024

APPLY NOW

For a deeper dive into the fellowship, visit the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship official webpage.