Description:
- The CSF is a six-month intensive programme aimed at accelerating high-potential startups from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries.
- It combines in-person and online learning, coaching, and networking to help startups scale and overcome barriers.
- The programme starts with a fully funded two-week bootcamp in Accra, Ghana, followed by ongoing online support including business coaching, expert sessions, and peer meetings.
- One founder per startup attends the bootcamp in person; co-founders and team members can join remotely.
- Participants can apply for the Fellows Fund, a £35,000 equity-free grant pool, with up to £2,000 available per startup for business expenses.
- Select startups are invited to a Capstone event in London to pitch to investors and industry leaders.
Objectives:
- To ignite and elevate startups from eligible Commonwealth countries.
- To provide essential skills, tailored coaching, and access to a global network.
- To support sustainable growth, leadership development, and market scaling.
- To foster resilience, team well-being, and entrepreneurial ecosystem navigation.
Target Beneficiaries:
- Startups registered in eligible low and middle-income Commonwealth countries.
- Founders with at least a graduate-level education.
- Startups with a minimum viable product or prototype and at least six months of active development.
- Ventures showing customer engagement or traction (early sales, pre-sales, contracts).
- Founders fluent in English and available for the programme timeline.
Application Process:
- Applications open June 2, 2025, and close June 30, 2025.
- Applicants submit a detailed application demonstrating innovation, traction, and team commitment.
- Selection considers business readiness, innovation, and potential for scalable growth.
- Successful applicants attend the bootcamp in November 2025 and participate in subsequent online programming.
Key Features:
- Fully funded two-week bootcamp in Accra covering leadership, scaling, fundraising, and ecosystem exploration.
- Monthly 1-2-1 coaching, peer meetings, expert sessions, and venture reviews online.
- Equity-free grants up to £2,000 per startup from a £35,000 fund.
- Travel, accommodation, meals, visa, and vaccination costs covered for one founder.
- Capstone event in London for pitching to investors.
- No equity taken by the programme.
- Support for accessibility, internet connectivity, and caring responsibilities.
- Open to all sectors with a focus on startups ready to scale.
Eligible countries include Bangladesh, Ghana, India, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and many others within the Commonwealth.
For more details and application, visit: https://www.imperialenterpriselab.com/programmes/commonwealth-startup-fellowship/
