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Impact Fellowships

Fully-funded venture and leadership development programs designed to equip the most promising impact-driven entrepreneurs, small business owners, and leaders with the skills, networks, and resources to grow.

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Jasmine Goodman, 2025 Google Data Center Community AI Fellowship Alumna

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Currently Accepting Applications

Now Accepting Applications

Halloran Fellowship

Focus Area:
Economic Development, Small Business
Location:
Bradford, PA • United States
Applications are open

All Programs

Coming soon

BMO Fellowship

Focus Area:
Economic Development, Small Business
Location:
Chicago, IL, Denver, CO, Los Angeles, CA, San Francisco, CA • United States
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Coming soon

Enlight Fellowship

Focus Area:
Youth Mental Wellbeing
Location:
Global
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Coming soon

Flagship Fellowship

Focus Area:
Sustainability, Economic Development, Technology
Location:
Global
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Coming soon

Ford Philanthropy Fellowship

Focus Area:
Economic Development, Disaster Preparedness, Response, Recovery and Resilience
Location:
Brazil, Germany, Mexico, South Africa, Thailand, Vietnam
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Coming soon

Google Data Center Community AI Fellowship

Focus Area:
Economic Development, Technology & AI
Location:
Finland, Netherland, United States, United Kingdom
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Applications Closed

Retail Readiness Training Program

Focus Area:
Agriculture and Value-Added Production
Location:
United States
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Applications Closed

Rising Leaders of Mexico Fellowship

Focus Area:
Economic Development
Location:
Mexico
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Coming soon

The Environmental Sustainability Entrepreneurship Program

Focus Area:
Environmental Products and Services
Location:
Denver, CO • United States
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Applications Closed

The Wells Fargo Small Business Fellowship

Focus Area:
Economic Development, Small Business
Location:
Chicago, IL, Baltimore, MD, Washington, D.C. • United States
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Applications Closed

Truist Foundation Fellowship

Focus Area:
Economic Development
Location:
United States
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Coming soon

Western Union Global Fellowship

Focus Area:
Refugee & Displaced Communities, Economic Development
Location:
Global
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The Fellowships Offer

Impact Fellowships powered by Watson Institute are fully-funded venture and leadership development programs for highly promising entrepreneurs, small business owners, and nonprofit leaders building impact-driven solutions for their communities. The fellowships include training and workshops, mentorship, access to capital, a strong network of resources, and long-term alumni support.

Business & Leadership Workshops

Participate in hands-on sessions focused on entrepreneurship, business acumen, and financial skills led by expert practitioners who are successful entrepreneurs and leaders themselves.

Mentorship & Capital Connections

Receive personalized support from Watson Institute’s network of mentors and access introductions to potential funders, investors, and networks to advance your solution.
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Basecamps: Creating Lasting Impact

Design and lead a community-focused 1-3 day workshop (Basecamp) for earlier-stage entrepreneurs, with training and a stipend provided to support you in deepening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in your community.
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Pitch Training & in-person Summit

Develop and refine a professional, compelling pitch through dedicated training sessions. Showcase your organization, progress, and impact at the Summit to community partners, mentors, potential investors, and peers.
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Impact

In partnership with leading corporations and foundations, Watson Institute has powered fellowships which have positively impacted 6,000 leaders in the US and globally. Alumni of Watson Institute’s Fellowships have raised over $190 million, created 2,300+ paid jobs, and impacted more than 11 million people worldwide.

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