The priority deadline has passed, applications are now accepted on a rolling basis.
Kiesha Halliburton, 2023 Alumna
Equipping small business owners who are uplifting the small business ecosystems across Baltimore, Chicago, and Washington D.C.
The Fellowship Offers
The Wells Fargo Small Business Fellowship is a fully-funded 16-week program for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit leaders who uplift and amplify their community’s small business ecosystem in Baltimore, Chicago, and Washington D.C.. Through expert-led training, capital connections, and leadership development, Fellows gain the tools to scale their impact while building stronger entrepreneurial ecosystems in their communities.
Business & Leadership Workshops
Participate in hands-on sessions focused on entrepreneurship, business acumen, and financial literacy skills led by expert practitioners who are successful entrepreneurs and small business owners themselves.
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 previous fellowships include:
Karen Carr-Crawford
Karen has over two decades of experience as an entrepreneur and business consultant, advocating for small businesses. She’s worked with programs like Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, One Million Black Women, Los Angeles Community Colleges, the SBA, and Small Business Development Centers. Karen has developed successful growth strategies for small and medium-sized businesses, focusing on marketing, sales management, strategic planning, and operational efficiencies.
Terrance Orr
Terrance is a dynamic operating executive, startup advisor, and early-stage investor with expertise in venture building, product management, and business development across startups, growth-stage companies, and large corporations.
Brian Lee
Brian is the Co-Founder of Roamli, which was launched to help organizations create immersive experiences for any audience and their community. In May 2023, he launched Gildre, an invite-only knowledge community for ambitious founders, providing exclusive access to mentors, events, and tools to help them build successful companies.
Key Dates
- Program: February 25–June 4, 2026
- Immersive: February 25–March 5, 2026 | Week 1: Wed–Fri | Week 2: Mon–Thu | 10:30 AM–12:30 PM ET
- Fellowship Launch Events: In-person events in each city welcoming Fellows, community leaders, and Wells Fargo team members to officially launch the Fellowship (dates TBD)
- Summit: June 2026 (location TBD) – Selected Fellows present their venture pitches to an engaged audience of entrepreneurs, community leaders, Wells Fargo 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
Joyson is the Founder of Jay’s Watermelonade, a mission-driven food and beverage company committed to amplifying local economic empowerment by providing seasonal job opportunities to underserved youth and sourcing from local growers.Since 2023, Jay’s Watermelonade has served nearly 3,000 customers, created seasonal jobs for underserved youth, and partnered with over 20 organizations to promote healthier lifestyles in urban communities.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the in-person components entail?
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 through different in-person engagements.
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 2nd, 2026. 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 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.
I have another question and need assistance.
For all other questions, please reach out to Casey Field at casey@watson.is.
This program is fully-funded through the generous support of Wells Fargo.
