About this opportunity
The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship is an eight month programme delivered by the Dunin-Deshpande Queen's Innovation Centre at Queen's University in Canada. It supports young Africans who want to solve pressing problems through entrepreneurship, and it is open to students and recent graduates from any academic discipline and any post-secondary institution in Africa.
The 2027 programme runs from January to August 2027 and is delivered entirely online, so participants take part without relocating. It is organised in three phases. The Explore phase introduces entrepreneurship through online courses and the Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework. The Ignite phase moves participants into business models, prototypes and pitching. The Launch phase brings up to 60 fellows into the DDQIC summer incubation programme, with coaching, mentorship, seed-funding opportunities and weekly pitch presentations.
Fellows receive entrepreneurship training from Queen's University faculty and industry leaders, pitch coaching, live workshops, one-on-one mentoring, Queen's entrepreneurship micro-credentials, and access to a wide network of alumni and entrepreneurs. Up to 60 fellows in the final phase can receive a $500 CAD stipend, and the final pitch competition offers prizes of up to $15,000 CAD.
Applicants do not need to own a registered business. The programme welcomes people who are still developing an entrepreneurial idea, as long as they can commit at least 10 hours per week and have reliable internet access and a device to complete the online work.
What you receive
- Entrepreneurship training delivered by Queen's University faculty and industry leaders
- The Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework
- Pitch coaching and live workshops
- Entrepreneurship micro-credentials from Queen's University
- One-on-one coaching and mentorship
- Access to Queen's entrepreneurial alumni and a wider network of entrepreneurs
- Feedback on key startup milestones
- Seed-funding opportunities during the fellowship
- A $500 CAD stipend for up to 60 fellows in the final phase
- The chance to pitch for prizes of up to $15,000 CAD in the final pitch competition
- Post-programme support and access to the DDQIC network after graduation
Who can apply
- Be a citizen of an African country
- Be currently enrolled in a post-secondary institution or have graduated within the past five years
- Come from any academic discipline
- Be interested in entrepreneurship and in developing solutions to pressing problems
- Be willing to complete all three phases of the programme
- Dedicate at least 10 hours per week to the programme
- Have reliable internet access and a device for participating in the online programme and completing assignments
Who should not apply
- A registered business is not required, so applicants with only a developing idea are still eligible
Documents to prepare
- Completed online application through Queen's University
- Assignment work submitted in English during the programme phases
How to apply
- Open the official Queen's University application form for the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship
- Complete the online application with your details, your institution and your entrepreneurial idea or business
- Submit before the deadline of 1 December 2026 at 12:59 PM Eastern Time
- If selected, take part in the Explore phase from January to February 2027 and progress through the Ignite and Launch phases
Selection process
- Phase 1, Explore Entrepreneurship, January to February 2027: more than 1,000 candidates begin online entrepreneurship courses and work through the first part of the Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework
- Phase 2, Ignite Entrepreneurship, March to April 2027: more than 180 participants who demonstrate strong commitment in phase one move forward to develop business models, prototypes and pitches
- Phase 3, Launch and Fellowship, May to August 2027: up to 60 fellows join the DDQIC summer incubation programme, receive coaching and mentorship, access seed-funding opportunities and pitch weekly
- The final pitch competition awards prizes of up to $15,000 CAD
Sources and verification
- Official source , Discovered by the opportunity automation module.
Questions applicants ask
Do I need to already have a registered business?
No. The programme welcomes applicants who are still developing an entrepreneurial idea as well as those already working on a business.
Is the fellowship delivered online?
Yes. The programme is delivered virtually, so participants across Africa can take part without relocating. You need reliable internet access and a device.
What if English is not my first language?
Programme content, assignments and pitches are in English. Applicants who are not fluent are still encouraged to apply, and may form a team with someone who meets the English requirement or seek language support through their university or local organisations. Mentorship may be available in English and French.
How much time does the fellowship require?
Participants are expected to dedicate at least 10 hours per week to their entrepreneurial journey across the eight month programme.
Does it cost anything to apply?
No. There is no application fee.
Important disclaimer
Nextali researches and curates useful opportunities to make discovery easier. Before applying, verify every timeline, requirement, fee and application link on the official provider website. Do your own research into the organisation, its background and the authenticity of the offer. Nextali does not guarantee selection, funding or the conduct of third party providers.
