{"id":65543,"date":"2025-10-28T05:29:10","date_gmt":"2025-10-28T05:29:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/opportunitiesforyouth.org\/?p=65543"},"modified":"2025-10-28T05:29:10","modified_gmt":"2025-10-28T05:29:10","slug":"applications-open-for-the-jim-leech-mastercard-foundation-fellowship-on-entrepreneurship-2026-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/?p=65543","title":{"rendered":"Applications Open for the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship<\/strong> is now accepting applications from African students and recent graduates<\/strong> eager to turn bold ideas into real solutions. This 8-month program, offered by the Dunin-Deshpande Queen\u2019s Innovation Centre (DDQIC)<\/strong> at Queen\u2019s University, is designed to nurture entrepreneurial talent, develop leadership potential, and empower innovators to build ventures that create meaningful social and economic impact.<\/p>\n

The fellowship provides comprehensive entrepreneurship training, mentorship, financial support, and access to a global network of industry leaders<\/strong>. By combining rigorous business education with hands-on learning, it equips emerging African entrepreneurs with the tools to launch and grow scalable businesses that address critical local and global challenges.<\/p>\n

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Program Overview<\/strong><\/h3>\n

At its core, the fellowship develops the mindset and skillset needed to succeed as an entrepreneur in today\u2019s dynamic world. Participants receive training through the Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework<\/strong>, a world-renowned model developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)<\/strong>, alongside business bootcamps delivered by Queen\u2019s University faculty and industry leaders.<\/p>\n

Fellows gain access to workshops on marketing, goal-setting, and recruiting, as well as one-on-one pitch coaching<\/strong> and mentorship from successful entrepreneurs. Upon completion, participants earn micro-credentials in Entrepreneurship<\/strong> awarded by Queen\u2019s University\u2014credentials that validate their achievements and enhance their professional profiles globally.<\/p>\n

The program is delivered virtually<\/strong>, allowing participants from all corners of Africa to learn, collaborate, and innovate from wherever they are.<\/p>\n

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Benefits of the Fellowship<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The fellowship offers a wealth of opportunities designed to accelerate entrepreneurial growth and impact:<\/p>\n