Commonwealth Startup Fellowship
The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship (CSF) is a six-month programme designed to ignite and elevate high potential startups from low and middle-income countries across the Commonwealth.
Applications for Cohort 3 are open from 3 August – 1 September 2026. You can find more information and the application form here.
Information sessions will be held online in August 2026. These sessions will be recorded and the link will be made available on the website.
Register here for the session on August 6 (3-4 PM GMT)
Register here for the session on August 7 (10-11 AM GMT)
Register here for the session on August 25 (10-11 AM GMT)
What is the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship?
This six-month programme is designed to fuel high-potential startups through intensive in-person and online learning. You’ll gain essential skills, benefit from tailored coaching, and get access to a powerful global network to help you overcome barriers and scale up your business.
The programme includes a fully funded two-week bootcamp in Accra, Ghana (January 2027), plus ongoing online support with business coaching, expert-led sessions, and valuable peer connections.
One founder from each selected team will participate in-person, while co-founders and team members can access the remote portion, connecting with global mentors and industry experts from across the Commonwealth.
In addition to training and mentorship, participating teams can apply for financial support through the Fellows Fund. Each startup may apply for up to £2,000 as equity-free grant to cover business-related expenses and support the development and growth of their venture.
Select participants will be invited to a Capstone in London, UK (May 2027), where they will have the chance to pitch to investors and industry leaders.
Two-week in-person Bootcamp
In person training – Accra, Ghana
Workshops, covering topics such as leadership, scaling a business, building a team, fundraising and sales.
Exploration of the Ghana entrepreneurial ecosystem
Guest speakers, including policy makers, successful entrepreneurs, investors and ecosystem experts
Remote Content
Monthly 1-2-1 business coaching
Peer to peer meetings
1-2-1 expert meetings
Venture review sessions with world class advisors
Learning outcomes
Refine business plans, scale operations, implement lean practices, and develop go-to-market strategies to drive sustainable growth.
Identify and develop personal leadership styles, enhance team dynamics, address skills gaps, and promote diversity to build effective teams.
Understand and navigate local and global entrepreneurial ecosystems, identify key players, and leverage partnerships to support venture growth.
Develop compelling brands, effective sales strategies, and robust financial forecasts to achieve business goals and secure funding.
Build resilience, prevent burnout, foster team well-being, and cultivate a supportive entrepreneurial network for long-term success.
Articulate goals, measure progress, and develop actionable plans for continuous personal and professional development beyond the programme.
Who is this Fellowship for?
The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship is designed for startups that have already demonstrated market demand and are preparing for growth and expansion. The programme is particularly suited to ventures preparing for growth via domestic, regional and/or international markets, or those in the early stages of expansion.
We support founders building scalable, sustainable businesses that create positive economic, social, or environmental outcomes.
The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship is open to startups from all sectors and industries. However founders building technology-enabled solutions or ventures that can benefit from access to scientific expertise, innovation ecosystems, research facilities, and global networks may find particular value in the Fellowship.
This is especially relevant for startups addressing challenges related to:
- Climate and sustainability
- Energy and clean technologies
- Health and wellbeing
- Advanced technologies and digital innovation
- Science-based and engineering-led solutions
Who is this fellowship not for?
The programme is designed for growth-stage startups rather than ventures that are still validating their idea or have already reached significant international scale.
The programme is unlikely to be suitable for ventures that:
- Are at the idea or concept stage.
- Are still developing or testing an initial prototype.
- Have not yet engaged customers or users.
- Are still validating whether a market need exists.
- Have not yet demonstrated customer demand or commercial traction.
- Are primarily research projects without a clear route to market.
The programme may also be less relevant for ventures that are already operating at scale across multiple international markets and have established international teams, partnerships, or distribution channels.
Finally, the Fellowship is not intended for charities, non-profit organisations, or ventures that rely primarily on donations, philanthropy, or grant funding rather than a sustainable revenue-generating business model.
Fellow Eligibility
To be eligible for these Fellowships, prospective Fellows must:
- Be of at least graduate level;
- Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible low- or middle-income Commonwealth country *1;
- Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country;
- Be fluent in written and spoken English;
- Not have undertaken a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship previously;
- Be available to undertake their fellowship from the prescribed start date *2;
- Be available to attend the duration of the residential bootcamp in Accra in person *3;
- Be available to attend the Capstone week in London in person *4;
In addition, Fellows must:
- Have a startup that has been registered as a legal entity in accordance with local regulations;
- Demonstrate evidence of innovation, in terms of product, service, business model or approach to addressing a market need;
- Have progressed beyond the idea, prototype, and pilot stages;
- Have been actively operating their business for at least twelve months and be able to demonstrate meaningful progress;
- Have a product or service that is available to customers;
- Have demonstrated customer demand through paying customers and evidence of ongoing customer adoption (such as repeat purchases, contract renewals, recurring revenue, or sustained usage);
- Operate through a sustainable business model and is not primarily dependent on donations, philanthropy, or grant funding;
- Create positive economic, social, or environmental outcomes through its core activities;
- Have evidence of commercial traction, growth, and the potential to scale;
- Be seeking to scale their customer base, operations, impact, or geographic reach.
Unfortunately, projects that are still in the idea or pre-registration phase are not eligible at this time.
Duplicate applications are not permitted. If an organisation submits more than one application, only the first will be assessed. The submission point is clearly indicated on the application form. Once an application is submitted, it cannot be edited, so please ensure all final checks are completed before submission.
*1 Eligible countries are:
Bangladesh, Belize, Botswana, Cameroon, Dominica, Eswatini, Fiji, Gabon, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Montserrat, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Helena, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, The Gambia, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia
*2 Programme start date: 16 November 2026
*3 Bootcamp
Dates: from 25 January 2027- 4 February 2027
Location: Accra, Ghana
All costs related to this bootcamp are covered by the Programme (e.g., travel including VISA costs, accommodation, food and training).
*4 Capstone
Dates: from 14 May 2027- 21 May 2027
Location: London, UK
Key dates
The programme comprises of a series of workshops, talks and networking sessions across multiple time zones. Attending all the sessions isn’t compulsory, although participation is encouraged.
3 August 2026 - Applications Open
1 September 2026 - Application Deadline
25 January- 4 February 2027 - In-person Bootcamp in Accra, Ghana
26 November 2026 - 21 May 2027 - Online Programming
14 - 21 May 2027 - In person Capstone event in London, UK
FAQs
When does CSF Cohort 3 start?
Cohort 3 will start on 16 November 2026
Can multiple founders from the same startup attend the in-person bootcamp?
No, only the selected Fellow will be able to attend the in-person bootcamp. However, all online aspects of the programme are open to additional team members, except for the 1:1 business coaching sessions.
Are travel, accommodation, and meals covered for the in-person bootcamp in Ghana?
Yes, travel, accommodation, and meals are covered for one founder per team for the duration of the in-person bootcamp in Ghana. This support also includes costs for visas and necessary vaccinations to ensure participants can fully engage in the programme.
What accessibility accommodations are available during the programme?
Any participants that have accessibility requirements will meet with the programme managers prior to the bootcamp to discuss in detail and implement necessary adjustments to ensure they can participate.
Are there specific sectors or industries the programme prioritised?
No, we welcome applications from all sectors.
What elements of the programme are funded?
If you are selected to the programme, we will cover travel and visa costs to the bootcamp for 1 person, accommodation, food and drinks in country and any associated costs with the core programme delivery. There will also be a stipend for internet and data costs. You will also be eligible to apply for an £2,000 equity free fund to advance your business.
I only have an idea, can I still join the programme?
We are looking for ventures that are beyond the idea stage and already have a product or service in the market and are ready to scale. However, if you are unsure if you meet the requirements, please attend one of the information sessions in August or watch the video replay. If you’re still not sure, you can email us at [email protected].
Who owns my IP?
The organisers have no claim to any intellectual property generated during the programme.
The status of the ownership of any pre-existing intellectual property generated prior to the programme will remain unchanged.
Will there be any support for internet connectivity?
We will work with the selected founders to support this and will discuss your personal circumstances and options. All online sessions will also be recorded should you have issues connecting live at any point.
Will I need a visa?
This will depend on your nationality. The team will supply all of the relevant details for your visa application and cover the associated costs of application. Please make sure that your passport is in date and has a minimum of 6 months left to expiry from 4 February 2027.
I need a visa, will you help with this?
We will provide you with the necessary documents to apply for your visa, however, you will be responsible for ensuring all of the application information is accurate and submitting on time.
We will cover the costs of applying for your visa.
I can’t attend the in-person bootcamp, can I still join the programme?
Unfortunately, you must be able to attend the bootcamp in Accra to be able to join the programme.
Is there a cost to participate?
There is no cost to participate, the programme will cover your visa costs, flights, accommodation, meals and travel in country where it is part of the scheduled programme. Any costs occurred outside of the core group scheduling would be covered by you (i.e. any travel to your own organized visits or events)
I have caring responsibilities, can I still apply?
We welcome applications from those with caring responsibilities and will discuss this on a case by case basis, this may include some special allowances or the cover of childcare or other care as required.
Are there language requirements for participation?
You must be fluent in English, all sessions and materials will be delivered in English.
Is there any equity-free grant funding on this programme that goes to participants?
Fellows who are selected for the programme can receive up to £2000 as equity free grant. This might be for prototyping costs, web design or attendance at conferences and events.
How is the Fellow's Grant Fund awarded, and what is the average grant size?
Participants can apply for funding during the programme to address business or participation-related costs. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis by a panel, ensuring timely access to support. The average grant size will depend on the specific needs outlined in applications, but the panel strives to allocate funds equitably across the cohort to maximize impact and support diverse challenges.
How much time do I need to commit to the online elements of the programme?
You are expected to attend the online workshops and coaching sessions, there is approx 6-7 number of hours per month.
Do you take any equity from my company?
We do not take equity for your participation in the programme, we do however expect you to attend all the sessions and participate fully.
Can I still apply if I don’t meet one of the selection criteria but excel in others?
Yes, you can still apply! We do not expect everyone to meet all the criteria. If you excel in certain areas and demonstrate strong potential, we encourage you to submit your application. The selection committee takes a holistic approach, considering the overall strength and promise of your startup. Please note however that eligibility criteria 1 – 8 are not negotiable.
How are business coaches assigned, and can participants request specific expertise or backgrounds?
Business coaches will not act as advisors, nonetheless, coaches are carefully assigned based on each participant’s area of interest, specific business needs, and geographical context to ensure relevant and impactful guidance. Participants can also request access to experts. This tailored approach ensures that mentorship is both practical and supportive, addressing the unique challenges faced by each entrepreneur.
What countries are eligible to take part?
- Bangladesh
- Belize
- Botswana
- Cameroon
- Dominica
- Eswatini
- Fiji
- Gabon
- Ghana
- Grenada
- Guyana
- India
- Jamaica
- Kenya
- Kiribati
- Lesotho
- Malawi
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Mauritius
- Montserrat
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Nauru
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Papua New Guinea
- Rwanda
- Saint Helena
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Samoa
- Sierra Leone
- Solomon Islands
- South Africa
- Sri Lanka
- Tanzania
- The Gambia
- Togo
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Uganda
- Vanuatu
- Zambia
Is the qualification that I achieved in my home country equivalent to a UK Undergraduate degree?
Applicants should consider whether the qualification they hold is equivalent to a UK undergraduate degree and if so enter the details of the qualification on the CSF application. On the application form, applicants can provide additional information to explain how the qualification is equivalent to a UK undergraduate degree.
Support the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship
Join us in empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs from across the Commonwealth. We’re looking for volunteers and partners to help our founders grow their ventures and make global impact. Interested? Emai [email protected] and be part of building a stronger, more inclusive startup ecosystem across the Commonwealth.
Ways to get involved:
Venture Reviewer: Advise startups online once a month.
Sponsor the programme: Fund a group of entrepreneurs to join the programme.
Meet the Founders: Join us in London in May 2027 to connect in person or join the capstone online. Contact us for more information: [email protected]
Founder Mentor: Offer 1-to-1 support and guidance to our fellows.
Invest in Startups: Back high-potential ventures driving change.