Description

The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship is an eight-month virtual entrepreneurship programme delivered through Queen's University's innovation centre. It helps African students and recent graduates develop an idea into a venture with social and financial potential. Three progressive phases combine online learning, individual mentoring, live workshops and access to an international alumni network. Participants work on structuring their business, testing a prototype and developing a practical growth strategy. Advancement and financial awards are selective rather than guaranteed to every applicant. The programme includes support for finalists and a pitching competition for outstanding projects. Applications are submitted using the official programme's linked online form before the published December closing date. Eligibility : African postsecondary students and graduates who completed their qualification within the past five years and want to develop an entrepreneurial project. Funding : Selective finalist stipends and competitive pitch awards; the source lists awards of up to CAD 15,000 rather than automatic funding for all participants. Application deadline : 2026-12-01.

Official source and verification

Eligibility criteria

• African postsecondary students and graduates who completed their qualification within the past five years and want to develop an entrepreneurial project.

Application procedure