Priority Application Deadline: June 21, 2026.
John Akinboyewa, 2025 Alum
Equipping underserved entrepreneurs across the Denver metro with sustainability-focused training, expert-led workshops, and a powerful network to scale their environmental products and services.
The Program Offers
The Environmental Sustainability Entrepreneurship Program empowers impact-driven, underserved entrepreneurs who are creating environmental products and services. Through this no cost program, we support both nonprofit and for-profit entrepreneurs in the across the Denver metro area. The comprehensive program provides expert-led training, dedicated mentorship, and long-term Alumni support to impact-driven entrepreneurs.
Business & Leadership Workshops
Participate in 16 weeks of entrepreneurship and leadership training led by practitioners with deep expertise in the sustainability field, including Impact Series workshops with leading thought leaders and experts.
Financial Tools & Resources
Access practical financial tools, frameworks, and workshops designed to strengthen your venture’s financial foundation. Benefit from the expertise of practitioners and Watson Institute’s broader network of specialists supporting entrepreneurs at every stage.
Coaching for Impact
In partnership with JPMorganChase
Access JPMorganChase’s Coaching for Impact program—enterprise-level coaching and resources for your business. Fellows receive dedicated workshops, direct access to the Coaching for Impact team, and an opportunity for continued support beyond the Program.
LaSheita Sayer and Ashley Rankin, 2024 - 2025 Alumni, with a Basecamp Participant.
Experts You Will Learn From
We recruit thought leaders and entrepreneurs with the specific expertise needed to best serve you. They are brought on to share their insights, facilitate workshops, and provide 1-on-1 guidance. Preceptors from previous cohorts include:
Molly Ganley
Strategy, Culture | The Nature Conservancy
Ramsay Huntley
Innovation, Strategy, & Sustainability Leader | Aspen First Movers Fellow | ex-Wells Fargo
Esther Zeledon
Best Selling Author|Facilitator |Speaker| Career, Entrepreneurship (Pitch)
Key Dates
- Program: August 8–November 18, 2026
- In-Person Immersive: August 8–13, 2026 | In Person | Denver, CO
- Saturday, August 8 (10:00 AM–6:00 PM MT)
- Week 1: 8/10–8/13 (Monday–Thursday) | Virtual
- Summit: Tuesday, November 18, 2026 | In Person | Denver, CO
Schedule & Weekly Time Commitment
- Weekly Workshops: Fellows participate in virtual workshops each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM MT.
- Weekly Time Commitment: 8–10 hours per week, including workshops, community building events, optional mentorship sessions, Basecamp planning and implementation, and Summit preparations.
Eligibility: Is This Program for Me?
Here is who we are looking for
Don't take our word for it, take theirs!
Meet The Alumni
Healing in Bloom promotes environmental sustainability through hands-on wellness experiences that support underserved communities by hosting community events at Colorado lavender farms where participants learn about pollinator-friendly agriculture’s role in promoting environmental sustainability, harvest organic lavender, create personalized skincare using sustainable ingredients and engage in community-led mental and environmental wellness practices. To date, they have sold over 1,400 units of eco-conscious skincare, facilitated wellness workshops for over 275 people, and secured $31,000+ in grant funding.
Osprey Labs is a clean technology promoting environmental sustainability by developing a breakthrough aluminum-based fuel cell to power heavier transportation with energy storage that is 20 times lighter than traditional batteries. Electrification of all transportation is key to building a sustainable future, however existing battery technology is incapable of providing the lightweight energy storage needed for heavier transportation beyond passenger vehicles. Osprey Labs is developing a new kind of clean energy fuel cell that runs off the most abundant metal on Earth – aluminum – which will advance environmental sustainability by enabling the electrification of heavy duty transportation
Amihan Artisans advances environmental sustainability across Denver (and statewide) by up-cycling juice packaging into bags and accessories that are sold in farmers market across Colorado. They have raised over $44,000 and received a United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) trademark. Sheila has been awarded the JEFFCO Sustainability Resident Award and the City of Golden Sustainability Award. She is currently an MBA candidate at CU Denver where she was featured in the Business School Newsroom and participated in the EU Enterprise Sustainability Program, championing environmental sustainability through entrepreneurship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the in-person components entail?
The program kicks off with a 1-day in-person Immersive. In addition, Fellows design and facilitate a comprehensive 1-3 day Basecamp training program in their communities during the Program. Basecamps are entrepreneurship training events where Fellows support earlier-stage environmental sustainability entrepreneurs to start or grow their ventures. Fellows receive extensive training, resources, and a Community Development Grant to successfully lead their Basecamps. Fellows will also have the option to meet up with other Fellows through different in-person engagements.
What are the costs associated with this program (travel, fees, deposit, etc.)?
Fellows may be responsible for some travel expenses and meals during in-person programming. No fees are collected or directly associated with this Program.
Can I apply if my country or state is not listed under the priority geographies?
Unfortunately, we are not able to consider applications outside the geographies listed above. However, we run numerous programs a year and are likely to have an opportunity for you in the future. We encourage you to check back regularly and reach out to Watson Institute’s team members for more information.
What is the community development fund?
The community development fund is $1,000 and supports Fellows in organizing and facilitating comprehensive Basecamp training programs, a required outcome of the program. Basecamps are 1-3 day entrepreneurship training programs where Fellows teach earlier-stage environmental sustainability entrepreneurs to start or grow their ventures. This grant provides resources to deliver high-quality training, engage your community, and multiply your impact across the Denver metro area.
What is the application review timeline?
We understand the substantial interest in the program and strive to provide prompt responses. Decisions will be communicated by July 13, 2026. We appreciate your patience throughout this process.
How do you define underserved?
We define underserved broadly to include individuals from disadvantaged populations based on race, sex, age, disability, economic status, and other factors that have historically limited access to resources and opportunities. We particularly value proximate leaders – those who have personal ties to the problems they are solving and lived experience with the challenges their communities face. This approach ensures the Fellows bring authentic understanding and deep commitment to creating meaningful change in their communities
How does this program open doors to funding?
Watson Institute connects Fellows to a robust network of potential investors, grantmakers, and partners dedicated to supporting ventures with impact. Through mentorship, pitch opportunities, and relationship-building events, Fellows gain access to introductions and resources that can accelerate their growth and sustainability.
What is the long-term impact on Fellows and Alumni?
After completing the program, Fellows join a vibrant community of changemakers with ongoing access to resources, learning opportunities, and peer support beyond the program. Alumni often report increased revenue, expanded networks, stronger leadership skills, and greater community impact as a result of their Watson Institute experience.
Alumni of Watson Institute’s Fellowships have raised over $190 million, created over 2,300 paid jobs, and impacted over 11 million people around the world through initiatives they have helped lead. 93% of Watson Institute alums are employed, continuing their education, or building a venture. 85% of Watson Institute Alumni use a skill they learned while in a Watson Institute-powered program up to 12 years later. Watson Institute’s Alumni have been selected to Y Combinator, the Echoing Green Fellowship, and 11 have been named to Forbes’ 30 under 30 lists. Alums continue their education at Harvard University, New York University, and Princeton University, among others.
What if I’m not admitted?
If you are not admitted this cycle, we encourage you to stay engaged with Watson Institute through our newsletters, events, and future programs. Many Fellows apply multiple times and continue to develop their ventures with the resources and support we offer. We value your commitment and look forward to your future involvement. Explore other Fellowships.
I have another question and need assistance.
For all other questions, please reach out to Milena Kirillova at milena@watson.is
Watson Institute wishes to thank the JPMorganChase Foundation for its philanthropic support of the Environmental Sustainability Entrepreneurship Program.
The Environmental Sustainability Entrepreneurship Program empowers impact-driven, underserved entrepreneurs who are creating environmental products and services. Through this no cost program, we support both nonprofit and for-profit entrepreneurs in the Denver metro area. The comprehensive program provides training, dedicated mentorship, and sustained support to impact-driven entrepreneurs.
This program is fully-funded through the generous support of JPMorganChase Foundation.
