Priority Application Deadline: January 12, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis after the deadline until all spots are filled.
Anitra Walker, 2024-2025 Alumna
Empowering small business owners and entrepreneurs to build better lives and stronger communities across Truist’s national footprint.
The Fellowship Offers
The Truist Foundation Fellowship, powered by the Watson Institute, is a fully-funded venture and leadership development program for the most promising small business owners, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit founders who are building solutions for underbanked or underserved communities. The Fellowship includes technical assistance, mentorship, access to capital, a vast network of resources, and long-term alumni support.
Experts You Will Learn From
We recruit experts and entrepreneurs with the specific expertise needed to best serve you. They are brought on to share their insights, facilitate our workshops and provide 1-on-1 guidance. Preceptors from the 2024-2025 Truist Foundation Fellowship included:
Jason Jacobsohn
Jason is the Founder and Managing Partner of Propellant Ventures, a Seed-stage fund that invests in small business growht. He is also the Managing Director of the Chicago chapter of Founder Institute, the world’s largest pre-seed technology accelerator. With over 20 years of experience, Jason supports entrepreneurs through investor readiness, strategic advisory, and capital formation. Additionally, he teaches business and entrepreneurship at DePaul University as an adjunct faculty member.
Terrance Range
Terrance is a purpose-driven entrepreneur and three-time founder who harnesses AI technology to tackle critical social challenges in education, finance, and healthcare. He currently leads Myndful, a mission-driven mental wellness platform that democratizes access to personalized well-being support, empowering thousands of users worldwide to build resilience and inner peace.
Vanessa Zamy
Vanessa Zamy, known as The Business Defibrillator®, is a catalyst for transformative change within organizations. As Managing Principal of LiberationX Contracts, Vanessa leads her nationwide team of trainers to empower leaders and executives building high-performing teams and navigating the complexities of the modern workplace.
Key Dates
- Program: March 4–June 19th, 2026
- Immersive: March 4–12, 2026 | Week 1: Wed–Fri | Week 2: Mon–Thu | 10:30 AM–12:30 PM ET
- Regional In-Person Gatherings: Networking and community events scheduled throughout the program in your region (dates TBD)
- Summit: June 2026 – Selected Fellows present their venture pitches to an engaged audience of entrepreneurs, community leaders, Truist representatives, and peers
Time Commitment
- Weekly Sessions: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 10:30 AM–12:30 PM ET (beginning Week 3)
- Total Weekly Commitment: 8–10 hours/week, including weekly sessions, optional meetings, Basecamp implementation, and Summit preparations
Eligibility: Is This Fellowship for Me?
Here is who we are looking for
Don’t take our word for it
Meet The Alumni
Jessica is the Founder and CEO of MOBU Enterprises, a green construction company that builds residential and commercial structures out of shipping containers in vulnerable communities to provide healthier, more affordable, and innovative alternatives to traditionally built housing. The venture positively impacts disenfranchised communities and constituents, and frequently hires from these groups. To date, MOBU Enterprises has created more than 200 jobs, and proudly hires from immigrant, previously incarcerated, and veteran communities. Additionally, MOBU Enterprises has generated more than $3M in gross sales and is a debt-free company.
Patrick is the CEO and Co-Founder of the Georgia Coalition for Higher Education in Prison (GACHEP), an organization that provides high-quality educational pathways from pre-college coursework to accredited degree completion for incarcerated individuals across Georgia to ensure they are able to pursue meaningful careers upon release. GACHEP has impacted more than 450 fair chance individuals across the state of Georgia and, to date, Patrick has raised $2 million to support GACHEP’s work.
Kiesha is the Founder and CEO of K. Cooper Consulting, which specializes in assisting growth-stage and mid-size businesses, particularly those led by women and minorities, in optimizing their operational development. Since finishing the Truist Foundation Fellowship, Kiesha was accepted into Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women: Black in Business Cohort 6, which was developed in partnership with the NYU Stern School of Business. To date, the venture has supported over 20 companies, provided over 4,200 hours of technical training to other small businesses, and impacted 200 individuals
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the in-person components entail?
There will be three in-person gatherings throughout the course of the Truist Foundation Fellowship: a Fellow Networking & Learning Event across multiple locations, Fellow Basecamps hosted in their communities, and an In-Person Summit in June.
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 Fellowship.
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 Stipend?
The Community Development Stipend supports Fellows in organizing and facilitating Basecamps, a required outcome of the program. Basecamps are community events, fostering collaboration, and advancing initiatives that accelerate collective growth in the communities the Fellows are impacting. Whether hosting workshops, networking events, or collaborative projects, this stipend provides resources to engage your community, build connections, and drive meaningful impact.
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 February 9th, 2026. We appreciate your patience throughout this process.
How do you define underserved / underbanked?
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 our 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 Maria Pamela Pelaez at mariapamela@watson.is.
Truist’s purpose is to inspire and build better lives and communities. By partnering with nonprofit organizations across our markets, we’re helping them innovate and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those they serve. The Foundation, an endowed private foundation established in 2020 whose operating budget is independent of Truist Financial Corporation, makes strategic investments in a wide variety of nonprofit organizations centered around three focus areas: building career pathways to economic mobility, strengthening small businessees, and disaster preparation, relief, and recovery. For more information about Truist Foundation, visit Truist.com/Foundation
This program is fully-funded through the generous support of the Truist Foundation.
