The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025 (CSF 2025) is a transformative, fully-funded program designed to support early-stage startups from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries. Jointly delivered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and Imperial College London’s Enterprise Lab, this six-month fellowship aims to ignite and elevate high-potential startups through a blend of immersive in-person experiences and online learning. In this article, we will explore all the details about the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025.
What is the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship?
The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025 is structured to provide participants with essential skills, cutting-edge knowledge, and a robust global network. The program includes a two-week intensive bootcamp in Accra, Ghana, followed by ongoing online support featuring business coaching, expert-led sessions, and valuable peer connections. This hybrid approach also ensures that fellows receive comprehensive support tailored to their unique business needs.
What Are the Key Dates?
•Applications open in June 2, 2025, at 10:00 AM (BST)
•Information session is in June 3, 2025, at 11:00 AM (BST)
•Application deadline is in June 30, 2025, at 4:00 PM (BST)
•Bootcamp in Accra, Ghana is in November 14–30, 2025
•Capstone event is in London, UK
What Are the Eligibility Criteria?
To be eligible for the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025, applicants must:
•Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible low or middle-income Commonwealth country.
•Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
•Be fluent in written and spoken English.
•Not have undertaken a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship within the last five years.
•Be available to undertake their fellowship from the prescribed start date.
•Demonstrate evidence of innovation in terms of product, service, or market.
•Show active development for at least six months and demonstrable commitment from team members.
•Have a working minimum viable product, service, and/or prototype.
•Provide significant evidence of customer engagement or traction.
What Are the Program Benefits?
1. Fully-Funded Bootcamp in Accra, Ghana
Fellows will participate in a two-week intensive bootcamp in Accra, Ghana, covering key business concepts, leadership skills, and scaling strategies. The bootcamp includes workshops, networking events, and expert-led sessions, providing a comprehensive learning experience.
2. Ongoing Online Support
Following the bootcamp, fellows will receive ongoing online support, including:
•Monthly one-on-one business coaching sessions.
•Monthly peer-to-peer meetings.
•One-on-one expert meetings.
•Monthly venture review sessions.
•Monthly program check-ins.
3. Access to the Fellows Fund
Fellows have the opportunity to apply for financial support from the Fellows Fund, a pool of £35,000 in equity-free grants. This funding is also available to cover business-related costs to help develop and grow startups.
4. Capstone Event in London, UK
Selected participants will be invited to a Capstone Event in London, UK, where they will have the chance to pitch their startups to investors and industry leaders. This also provides an excellent opportunity to gain exposure and secure potential funding.
What is the Application Process?
Interested applicants can apply through the official Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025 application portal. The application process requires:
•Completion of an online application form.
•Submission of academic qualifications and work history.
•Business registration and founder details.
•Evidence of startup traction (sales, signups, etc.).
•Market research and competitor analysis.
•A one-minute elevator pitch video.
•Short essay answers (150–250 words) on various topics.
•Copy of passport or national ID.
•Contact details of three referees (one must be a current/former employer).
Which Are the Eligible Countries?
Startups from the following Commonwealth countries are eligible to apply:
•Africa
Botswana, Cameroon, Eswatini, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia.
•Asia
Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka.
•Caribbean & Americas
Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & The Grenadines.
•Pacific
Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.
Other than Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025, you can also read Fully Funded Postdoctoral Fellowship in Switzerland
Thus, the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025 offers a unique opportunity for early-stage startups from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries to accelerate their growth and impact. With comprehensive support, including a fully-funded bootcamp, ongoing online coaching, access to funding, and networking opportunities, the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025 is a gateway to scaling your startup and making a significant impact in your community and beyond.