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The Halloran Fellowship

A place for aspiring and early-stage business owners in the Bradford area to gain the skills, resources, and hands-on experience needed to launch and grow their business ventures.

Priority Application deadline is August 11th, 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis after the deadline until all spots are filled.

Start your Application

Sara James, 2024 Halloran Fellowship Alumna

As a Halloran Fellow, you will join a comprehensive entrepreneurial training program in Bradford, Pennsylvania, designed to help you create lasting community impact. Working at the intersection of community development and innovation, you’ll develop solutions to local challenges while helping build a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem. Throughout this journey, you’ll gain the skills, connections, and resources needed to transform your idea into real community impact.

This program is fully-funded through the generous support of Halloran Philanthropies.

Dates and Details

Key Dates

  • In-person Kickoff Session: Saturday, September 6, 2025 (10 AM – 6 PM ET) in Bradford, Pennsylvania
  • Fellow Hosted Events:  November 1st & 2nd, November 17th & 18th (flexible)
  • Summit: Thursday, December 11, 2025, Bradford, Pennsylvania

Time Commitment

  • Thursdays & Fridays: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM ET
  • Weekly Commitment: 6–8 hours total

Core Components

  • Virtual Workshops: Interactive online sessions with your cohort
  • Basecamp: Collaborate with Fellows to design and lead a Basecamp
  • In-Person Summit: Pitch to local leaders, funders, and entrepreneurs
  • Local Networking Opportunities: Connect with Bradford area’s leadership ecosystem.
  • Community Development Stipend: Fellows will receive financial support to plan and execute their Basecamp—an interactive, community-focused workshop.

To create the most valuable experience for all, we ask every Fellow to fully participate and attend all weekly workshops and events.

Who should Apply

Fellow Profile
You are a community member based in Bradford, PA and the surrounding areas or a student of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and exploring or in the early stages of entrepreneurship.

Business Profile
You are someone passionate about creating or enhancing a business in the Bradford area. You either have an established idea you want to bring to life or a business in its early stages. You have begun researching and have a clear business idea to Follow.

Location & Eligibility

  • Must be located in Bradford, Pennsylvania, or surrounding areas
  • Current University of Pittsburgh at Bradford students are also eligible to apply
  • All applicants must be 18 years or older
  • Primary focus of applicants should be on starting a business in the Bradford area.

What You Will Receive

The Halloran Fellowship, powered by Watson Institute, combines local focus with global entrepreneurial best practices. By emphasizing group collaboration and community-based learning, Fellows not only develop their ventures but also contribute to building a stronger, more resilient Bradford entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Core Curriculum

The program is structured into four focused blocks:

  • Social Mission & Stakeholders
  • Relationships & Channels
  • Operations, Resources & Finances
  • Pitch Development & Community Building

Business Pitch Development

  • Create a clear, compelling pitch for your business
  • Develop professional presentation materials
  • Record a high-quality pitch video for future use
  • Practice presenting to local stakeholders and potential investors

Practical Tools & Resources

  • Local market analysis templates
  • Community needs assessment guides
  • Bradford ecosystem map
  • Local partner directory

Business & Leadership Skills Development

  • Learn collaborative problem-solving for business growth
  • Develop early-stage venture management capabilities
  • Build effective community engagement strategies
  • Strengthen entrepreneurial resilience

Expert Mentorship & Support

  • One-on-one guidance from both Bradford leaders and national industry experts
  • Weekly office hours with program team (4 hours of dedicated 1:1 support)
  • Direct support from a dedicated Entrepreneur in Residence
  • Group mentorship circles connecting local and national networks

Community Connection Through Group Basecamp

  • Collaborate with your Fellow cohort to design and lead community events
  • Work as a team with a shared stipend for community initiatives
  • Learn the local business ecosystem through collective experience
  • Build relationships with partners and customers alongside peers

Application Process

1. Submit Your Application Candidates complete the online application in approximately 30 minutes. Submit by the priority deadline of August 11th 2025, for early consideration. Applications will continue to be reviewed on a rolling basis until all spots are filled.

2. Application Review Our Admissions Committee evaluates applications to identify aspiring entrepreneurs with promising business ideas and a strong commitment to making an impact in their community. Early applicants receive priority consideration.

3. Interview Selected candidates will be invited to a 20-minute Zoom interview to share their entrepreneurial journey, discuss their venture’s vision for growth, and explore how the Fellowship aligns with their goals.

4. Final Selection & Enrollment Final decisions will be announced on a rolling basis. Accepted applicants must confirm their enrollment to secure their spot. The program begins on September 6, 2025.

Start Your Application

Abby Leposa, 2024 Halloran Fellowship Alumna

Brian Zetwick, 2024 Halloran Fellowship Alum

Through their dedicated Basecamp initiative, Halloran Fellows have connected with over 300 participants, including local leaders, forging meaningful relationships and expanding their networks.

Creating Lasting Impact: Empower Your Community with Basecamps


As a core component of the Fellowship, you will design and lead a 1-3 day Basecamp—an interactive, community-focused workshop that strengthens your leadership skills, expands your network, and provides valuable feedback. You’ll receive training, resources, and a stipend to plan and execute an impactful event that supports rising entrepreneurs and changemakers in your community.
Learn More About Basecamps

Mark Young, 2024 Halloran Fellowship Alum

Meet the Alumni

Brittany Holsinger
Kinzua Canine Dog training Bradford, PA

Brittany Holsinger is the Founder of Kinzua Canine, a dog training business in Bradford focused on strengthening the bond between dogs and their owners through education and communication. Drawing from her background as a veterinary technician, her venture offers a variety of training classes, emphasizing holistic methods that foster mutual understanding and trust. Kinzua Canine also contributes to the Bradford community by hosting free monthly seminars and sharing educational articles to promote successful pet ownership and keeping dogs out of shelters. As a Halloran Fellow, Brittany will focus on amplifying her venture’s impact and success.

Joy Jeffrey
The Father’s Apothecary Health Bradford, PA

oy Jeffrey is the founder of The Father’s Apothecary and a dedicated herbalist. Having studied herbal remedies, Joy is passionate about natural healing and the medicinal power of plants and believes nature offers solutions to many health issues. By founding The Father’s Apothecary, Joy aims to grow and create natural remedies from plants and herbs, offering safe, organic alternatives to pharmaceuticals. She is committed to educating others about the benefits of herbal medicine while ensuring her products are effective and safe. Joy envisions expanding her garden and building a greenhouse to provide a sustainable, community-centered business focused on natural health solutions.

Ashly Colosimo
Ashly Colosimo Youth Empowerment & Community Building Advocate Bradford, PA

Ashly Colosimo, a University of Pittsburgh at Bradford graduate with a degree in Sports Management and Business Management, is the Aquatic Director at Twin Tiers YMCA. Drawing on her extensive experience with children and teens, Ashly is developing a youth-focused center in Bradford that will offer creative outlets such as open mic nights and art events. Her goal is to provide a safe and vibrant space for teenagers to express themselves and build community, addressing local challenges like youth suicide and overdoses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the eligibility for this program?

  • You are an individual based in the Bradford, PA area, looking to start or accelerate your business venture and bring change to the community.
  • You are able to commit to the Fellowship in its entirety, including a 1-day in-person immersive kickoff. We prioritize individuals based around Bradford, PA, who can attend in-person programming and are fully committed to actively participating in the entire program. At the heart of the program is a strong sense of community, and its success hinges on the active engagement and enthusiasm of all participants, who are eager to both learn and share.
  • You are someone with passion to create or enhance a business in the Bradford area and have an established idea to bring to life or a business in its early stages (1st year). You have begun research to create this venture and have a business idea to follow.
  • You are located and have demonstrated interest in leading or launching a business in Bradford, PA, and surrounding areas
  • Adults 18 or Older. Community member of Bradford, PA or surrounding areas, and/or University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Student.

What qualifies as impacting the community?

Social issues are defined as problems that affect many people within a society. The Bradford Area, like many other small communities, faces social issues such as poverty, unemployment, addiction, prejudice, generational poverty, suicide/mental illness, and crime, amongst others. If you have a business idea, you undoubtedly will be addressing at least one of these social issues. This program will help you identify how to not only create or enhance a business, but also how to impact the community while doing so.

How selective is this program?

Fellowships powered by Watson Institute receive a high volume of applications and generally have a 2-8% acceptance rate

What are Life Experience Credits from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford?

Life Experience Credits are credits that can be applied to any University of Pittsburgh at Bradford degree and they do not affect your financial aid. The term “Life Experience” is simply assigned by the university.

These credits will only be applicable to University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Students.

What is the Halloran Fellowship schedule like?

  • The Fellowship begins with a 1-day immersive experience on September 6, 2025.
  • Virtual sessions are held on Thursdays & Fridays each week from 10:30 AM -12:30 PM ET. (Accommodations may be made on an as-needed basis.)
  • Some In-Person Community Building/Impact Sessions (prospectively 10:30 AM -12:30 PM ET).
  • We ask that you inform us if you do not have access to transportation, and/or if the ATA is not available to you at these times.
  • The culminating event “Summit” will be held on December 11, 2025, at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.

What is the application review timeline?

We understand the substantial interest in the program and strive to provide prompt responses. Decisions will be dispatched on a rolling basis. Your patience during this process is greatly appreciated.

Can I apply if my country is not listed under the priority countries?

Halloran Fellowship is designed for entrepreneurs who are based and are creating impact in Bradford, Pennsylvania. If you’re located elsewhere, we encourage you to explore other Fellowships powered by Watson Institute here.

Is there an age restriction?

There are no age restrictions.  The average age for the Fellows is 25.  If you meet the other eligibility criteria, we encourage you to apply. The Fellowship is fully open to both the Bradford Area Community and the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford students.

I have another question and need assistance.

For all other questions, please reach out to Angelique Newhouse at angelique@watson.is.

Halloran Philanthropies is a family foundation based out of Pennsylvania with a mission to inspire, innovate, and accelerate sustainable social interventions that promote human wellbeing. Watson Institute has been fortunate to partner with Halloran Philanthropies since 2013.