Truist Foundation Fellowship

Equipping Georgia-based entrepreneurs, small business owners, and nonprofit founders with the skills and network to scale their impact.

Applications for the program are now closed.

Meet the 2024 - 2025 Fellows

Kewaan Drayton, 2024 Truist Foundation Fellowship Fellow and Victoria Baylor, 2024 Truist Foundation Fellowship Basecamp Participant

The Truist Foundation Fellowship, powered by the Watson Institute, is a fully-funded venture and leadership development program designed for entrepreneurs, business owners, and nonprofit founders in Georgia, United States. Fellows receive technical training, enhance their business acumen, and gain financial literacy knowledge, all tailored to amplify their impact within the communities they serve. This Fellowship is specifically intended for entrepreneurs dedicated to serving emerging markets across rural and urban Georgia through job creation and economic development initiatives.

This program is fully-funded through the generous support of the Truist Foundation.

Dates and Details

Dates: February 8th to June 12th, 2025 (16 weeks of programming).
Format: Weekly virtual workshops with localized gatherings and events when possible. Sessions are held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM ET.
In-Person Immersive: All Fellows are invited to join a 1-day in-person immersive experience in Atlanta, Georgia, scheduled for February 8th, 2025, from 10 am to 5 pm ET.
Basecamp: Basecamp refers to a 1-3 day Impact Workshop led by each Fellow in their community. Its purpose is to gather a base of participants, allowing Fellows to showcase their ventures, receive feedback, and expand their network. Additionally, Basecamps offer participants a hands-on experience in exploring social impact through entrepreneurship. Read more about Basecamps below.
Community Development Stipend: Fellows will receive a dedicated Community Development Stipend to empower them to take active leadership in their local communities. This stipend can be used to organize and facilitate community events, foster collaboration among community members, and support initiatives aimed at accelerating collective growth. Whether it’s hosting workshops, networking events, or collaborative projects, the stipend provides Fellows with the resources to engage their community, build connections, and drive meaningful impact.
In-Person Summit: All Fellows are invited to join a Summit, the culminating pitch and networking event in Atlanta, Georgia, scheduled for 6 pm ET on Thursday, June 12th

What You Will Accomplish

With the unwavering support of the Truist Foundation and Watson Institute teams, you will receive a comprehensive roadmap to guide the growth and scalability of your work and impact. Additionally, you will facilitate an Impactful Workshop (known as a Basecamp) in your community for your stakeholders, backed by a stipend, playbook, and team support to bring your vision to life.

Eligibility: Is This Fellowship for Me?

Here is who we are looking for.

Who you are:

You are an entrepreneur, small business owner, or nonprofit leader with 1-5 years of traction, committed to job creation and economic development in underserved and underbanked communities, with an entrepreneurial spirit and a growth mindset.

Venture Stage:

You are an impact-driven entrepreneur with proven products, traction, and revenue, but not yet ready to scale. This Fellowship targets those in the ‘missing middle’ stage, between prototyping and scaling, who need support to grow. Ideal candidates have demonstrated impact in their communities and are in the Problem-Solution Fit or Product-Market Fit stages, with engaged customers and measurable impact and revenue.

Commitment:

You are able to commit to the 16-week program including a 1-day in person Immersive. We prioritize individuals who 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.

Where You Create Impact:

Applicants located in or creating impact in markets across rural and urban Georgia, United States.

If your location is not listed above, we encourage you to explore other Fellowships powered by Watson Institute. We are currently recruiting for several impactful Fellowship opportunities across a diverse range of locations.

What You Are Looking For:

You seek expert-guided entrepreneurial training, a supportive community for feedback, a broad mentor network to enhance your leadership, and opportunities to challenge yourself by leading a Basecamp event and other initiatives that benefit your venture and community.

Demographics:

Adults 18 or Older.

Application Process

1. Applications Submitted: Complete the online application. This application should take approximately 45 minutes to fill out. Priority Application deadline is extended to January 5th, 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis after the deadline until the spots are filled.

2. First Round Review: Our Admissions Committee diligently reviews all applications, seeking entrepreneurs who demonstrate strong leadership qualities and ventures that are both innovative and scalable. Applications received after the deadline will be assessed on a rolling basis as needed.

3. Interview: Qualified applicants will receive invitations for a 20-minute one-on-one Zoom interview. This interview allows us to delve deeper into your motivations for pursuing the Fellowship and to gain a better understanding of your venture.

4. Admissions Committee Review: The most promising applicant profiles will be shared with our external Admissions Committee for their final review and selection.

5. Acceptances Announced: Notifications of acceptance will be sent out no later than January 24th, 2025.

6. Fellows Confirm & Enroll: The final step to complete your enrollment is to confirm your commitment to the program. Upon confirmation, you will receive an invitation to participate in a “Meet the Cohort Webinar” event leading up to the program’s commencement. The program begins on February 2nd, 2025.

In 2023, Truist Foundation Fellows had a direct impact on over 600 individuals through their Basecamps.

Ernest Comer, Rachel Shanklinm, Eric Smith, 2024 Truist Foundation Fellows

The Fellowship Offers:

The Truist Foundation Fellowship, powered by the Watson Institute, is a fully-funded program for entrepreneurs, business owners, and nonprofit founders in Georgia at the “Problem-Solution or Product-Market Fit” venture stage. This intensive Fellowship provides tailored technical training, enhances business acumen, and fosters financial literacy to scale ventures effectively. Focused on underserved communities across Georgia, Fellows gain strategic insights and mentorship to drive sustainable economic development and job creation.

Venture Acceleration & Leadership Training

Fellows will engage in weekly expert-led sessions covering:
• Foundations
• Data & Metrics
• Product Market Fit
• Funding
• Team Management
• Pitch

Community & Network Building

A diverse cohort of entrepreneurs, small business owners, and nonprofit founders will form partnerships, collaborations, and further their growth and impact during and after the program. Community building activities include:
• Engagement with Watson Institute Alumni
• Self-organized Fellow events
• Basecamp training and events

Mentorship & Collaboration

Renowned leaders, entrepreneurs, and practitioners join the Fellowship to share their entrepreneurial journey and experience, as well as mentor the Fellows. Fellows are provided with multiple mentorship opportunities that include:
• Preceptor Advisory Board
• Impact Speaker Series
• Mentor Bonanza

Pitch Training & Summit

Throughout the program, Fellows will refine their pitch through guided sessions focused on crafting their story, showcasing impact, and effectively communicating their vision. The Summit is the culminating event where top Fellows pitch and present their ventures to local leaders, funders, and entrepreneurs. It’s a platform to catalyze change, forge partnerships, and unlock new opportunities for growth and impact.

Pay the Impact Forward: Empower Your Communities through Basecamps

Kacie Willis, 2024 Truist Foundation Fellow, Basecamp: Metrics & Mingling: A Data-Powered Event for Metro-Atlanta Creative Entrepreneurs, Atlanta, United States.

A Basecamp is a 1-3 day workshop hosted by Fellows, designed to accelerate their impact, build community involvement, provide networking opportunities, practice skill-building, and obtain valuable feedback to enhance their ventures. Each Basecamp invites approximately 30 participants to engage in dynamic workshops and community-building. Fellows receive a monetary stipend, a playbook, and team support to plan and facilitate their Basecamps.

As a key outcome of the Truist Foundation Fellowship, all Fellows will facilitate a Basecamp event during their time in the program.

Learn More

The Fellows are Making an Impact

Watson Institute Alumni from 81 countries have raised over $185 million in capital for their ventures, created over 1,900 part or full-time jobs, and impacted over 10 million people around the world through initiatives they help lead.

Meet the Fellows

Meet the Alumni

Nnamdi Ihenacho

NSTAR Technologies Skill Development Georgia, US

NSTAR Technologies is on a mission to empower immigrants across Gerogia, facilitating their entry into high-income tech careers. Through targeted training and community support, the organization aims to create a pathway for success, fostering not just skill development but also a collaborative environment crucial for sustained growth. To date, NSTAR Technologies has raised $250,000 in capital and trained approximately 75 students over the last three years. Notably, 80% of program alumni are currently employed in their trained areas.

Amanda Spann

The App Accelerator Business Incubation Georgia, US

The App Accelerator is an onboarding business incubation program for individuals interested in pursuing a career in tech-entrepreneurship throughout Georgia. The venture aims to address the challenge faced by millions of diverse, emerging founders who lack the technical skills required to develop their apps, often leading to wasted time and fear of financial loss. Their goal is to produce 10,000 diverse new app entrepreneurs in the next 10 years. Amanda has been named one of Business Insider’s 30 Most Important Women in Tech Under 30.

Keewan Drayton

Red Eye Film Productions Film Productions Georgia, US

Red Eye Film Productions aims to empower and inspire underserved communities in Georgia through comprehensive training programs in filmmaking, podcasting, video editing, and performing arts. The organization strives to bridge the opportunity gap by providing access to creative education and resources, fostering a diverse and vibrant arts community. To date, the venture has raised $500,000 in capital and trained 10 young people who have gone on to become successful photographers, videographers, and video editors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the eligibility for this program?

Ideal candidates are entrepreneurs, small business owners, or nonprofit leaders with 1 to 5 years of demonstrated traction supporting underserved, underbanked, or marginalized communities with economic advancement and job creation.
Your venture is in Problem-Solution or Product-Market Fit Stage, with engaged customers or beneficiaries, and demonstrated outcomes in both impact and revenue. This typically includes a track record of successfully raising funds through grants, investments, donations, or other means to support your ventures.
You are able to commit to the 16-week program, including the two-week virtual Immersive. We prioritize applicants fully committed to actively participating in the 16-week 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 available to attend the workshops that are hosted on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM ET.

What is Community Development Stipend?

Community Development Stipend can be used to organize and facilitate community events, foster collaboration among community members, and support initiatives aimed at accelerating collective growth. Whether it’s hosting workshops, networking events, or collaborative projects, the stipend provides Fellows with the resources to engage their community, build connections, and drive meaningful impact.

How selective is this program?

Truist Foundation Fellowship powered by Watson Institute receive a high volume of applications each year and have a 3% selectivity rate.

What do the in-person components entail?

Fellows will travel to Atlanta, Georgia, for a 1-day in-person immersive to build community and learn about key programmatic information. The program’s culminating event–Summit will be held in-person in Atlanta, Georgia.
Fellows facilitate a Basecamp event in their communities during their time in the program. They will also have the option to meet up with other Fellows.

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.

What is the application review timeline?

We understand the substantial interest in the program and strive to provide prompt responses. Decisions will be dispatched during the week of January 24th, 2025. Your patience during this process is greatly appreciated.

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

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.

I have another question and need assistance.

For all other questions, please reach out to Milena Kirillova at milena@watson.is.

Truist Foundation is committed to Truist’s purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. 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 two focus areas: building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses to ensure all people and communities have an equal opportunity to thrive. For more information about Truist Foundation, visit Truist.com/Foundation