Priority Application Deadline: January 24th, 2027. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Terri Evans, 2025-2026 Alumna
Supporting entrepreneurs who are uplifting their small business ecosystems across Denver, Phoenix, and the Bay Area.
The Fellowship Offers
The Wells Fargo Small Business Fellowship, funded by Wells Fargo and delivered in partnership with Watson Institute, is a fully funded program designed for established, growth-ready small business owners and entrepreneurs who are strengthening the small business ecosystems in their communities. Fellows receive expert-led entrepreneurship training, connections to capital, leadership development, committed mentorship, access to a strong peer network, and long-term Alumni support. Through the Fellowship, participants gain the tools and connections needed to scale their impact while building stronger, more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems in their communities.
Summit Pitch Prizes
In partnership with Wells Fargo
Share your growth and impact with hundreds of potential investors, mentors, elected officials, community leaders, partners, and Wells Fargo team members, and compete for $50,000 in Pitch Prizes
2026 Pitch Competition winners, Watson Institute Team, Wells Fargo representatives
Experts You Will Learn From
We recruit thought leaders and entrepreneurs—whom we refer to as Preceptors—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:
William Kasper
Fractional Head of Growth | GTM Advisor | Startup Co-Founder & Growth Executive
Terrance Range
Founder and Head of Product @ Myndful I Cultivating Growth through User-Centric Product Development
Ramsay Huntley
Innovation, Strategy, & Sustainability Leader | Executive and Fractional Advisor | Aspen First Movers Fellow | Wells Fargo Alum
Key Dates
- Program: March 16 –June 30, 2027
- Immersive: March 16–March 19, 2027 | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM MT | Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday | Virtual
- Summit: June 2027 (location TBD) – Selected Fellows present their small business pitches to an engaged audience of entrepreneurs, community leaders, Wells Fargo representatives, and peers
Time Commitment
- Weekly Sessions: Fellows participate in virtual workshops each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM MT (beginning Week 2)
- 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 Fellowship for Me?
Here is who we are looking for
Don’t take our word for it
Meet The Alumni
UX Brite is a Chicago-based, for-profit go-to-market (GTM) platform that helps software and digital-first companies turn user activity into revenue. Founded in 2020, UX Brite works with founders, executives, and marketing teams across Software as a Service (SaaS) and other digital businesses to launch and manage go-to-market campaigns in one place by combining user-experience data from websites and apps with marketing execution. UX Brite has equipped over 220 emerging and scaling ventures with the strategy, tools, and insight needed to build strong products, delight users, and compete effectively in crowded digital markets.
The Laundry Basket is a Baltimore-based, for-profit mobile, technology-enabled laundry and dry-cleaning service founded in 2022 that helps individuals and families reclaim time while removing a hidden barrier through access to clean clothes. Using a marketplace model that partners with local laundromats as processing hubs and smart scheduling with route optimization, the company provides reliable pickup and delivery for households, seniors, caregivers, and small business clients such as clinics, salons, and fitness studios. The Laundry Basket has supported local hiring and training, with 6 staff positions, served 1,050 individuals through residential and school or nonprofit partnerships, and helped 40 local businesses stabilize operations through predictable laundry services.
Eruo Advisory is a Chicago-based, for-profit strategic advisory firm founded in 2025 that helps institutions design and implement community-centered initiatives by aligning capital, governance, and execution across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. In its first year, the firm has supported 7 small businesses, in addition to designing and implementing programs that bring resources, opportunities, and investment into communities across Chicago.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the in-person components entail?
Summit: The Summit is the grand finale of the Wells Fargo Small Business Fellowship. It’s a high-energy showcase where select Fellows pitch their small businesses, share their stories of impact, and celebrate their progress in the Fellowship.
Basecamps: Fellows design and facilitate a comprehensive Basecamp training program in their communities during the Fellowship. Basecamps are community-based workshops where Fellows support community leaders and community members to deepen their community’s small business ecosystem.
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. There are no other fees associated with the 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 $1,000 Community Development Stipend supports Fellows in organizing and facilitating Basecamps, a required outcome of the program. Basecamps are community events that foster collaboration and advance initiatives that accelerate collective growth in the communities the Fellows are impacting. Whether you host a workshop, networking event, or a collaborative project, 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 12, 2027. We appreciate your patience throughout this process.
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 small businesses 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 Angelique at angelique@watson.is.
This program is fully-funded through the generous support of Wells Fargo.
