The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship has opened applications for its 2027 program, giving African students and recent graduates access to training, mentorship, and funding. Applications for the eight-month initiative close on December 1, 2026, at 12:59 pm ET, according to program announcements.
Program Overview and Eligibility Requirements
The fellowship is designed to develop the entrepreneurial skillset and mindset of leaders to drive social and financial impact. To qualify for the 2027 cohort, applicants must meet specific criteria established by the organizers. Candidates must hold citizenship in an African country and be currently enrolled as students in a post-secondary institution or have graduated within the past five years.
Applicants also need a desire to solve pressing problems and bring an entrepreneurial idea to life. Participants must commit to completing all three phases of the online program and possess reliable internet access along with a device for virtual sessions and online assignments.
Curriculum Structure and Key Phases
The eight-month program is broken down into three distinct phases running from January through August 2027. Phase 1, titled Explore Entrepreneurship, runs from January to February 2027. Phase 2, Ignite Entrepreneurship, takes place across March and April 2027. The final phase, Launch Entrepreneurship, spans May to August 2027. Successful candidates will receive notification of their acceptance by the end of December 2026.
The curriculum utilizes the Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework, a step-by-step model for scalable startups developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Queen’s University faculty and industry leaders deliver the business bootcamp, bringing decades of combined entrepreneurship and C-suite experience to the cohorts. Participants also attend live workshops covering marketing, goal setting, and recruiting, and they have the opportunity to earn micro-credentials on entrepreneurship awarded by Queen’s University.
Mentorship and Financial Support
Fellows gain access to a global network of Queen’s entrepreneurial alumni and connect with mentors and speakers leading innovation and entrepreneurship in North America. In the final phase of the program, fellows are matched directly with industry leaders and entrepreneurs to receive feedback on critical startup milestones.
Financial support includes a stipend of $500 CAD awarded to up to 60 fellows selected in the final phase. Participants also gain the opportunity to pitch for prizes of up to $15,000 CAD in a competitive pitch event held at the conclusion of the program. Interested candidates can review guidelines and submit applications through the Official Webpage of the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship.
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