Applications are now open for the 2025 cohort of the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship (CSF), inviting young innovators and startups from across the Commonwealth to apply for this prestigious opportunity.
The CSF is a six-month fellowship program designed to accelerate high-potential startups from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries through a blend of in-person and virtual learning, expert mentorship, and funding opportunities.
What the Programme Offers
Selected startups will benefit from:
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Intensive Training: One founder from each selected team will attend a fully funded two-week bootcamp in Accra, Ghana, beginning in November 2025. Co-founders and other team members will join the online component.
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Global Mentorship: Fellows will gain access to expert-led sessions, personalized business coaching, and peer learning from a diverse network across the Commonwealth.
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Funding Opportunities: Teams can apply for equity-free grants from the £35,000 Fellows Fund to support business development costs.
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International Exposure: Select fellows will be invited to a capstone event in London, UK, where they’ll pitch to investors and industry leaders.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
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Be a graduate.
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Be a citizen of, or have been granted refugee status by, an eligible low- or middle-income Commonwealth country.
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Be a permanent resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
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Be fluent in written and spoken English.
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Not have undertaken a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship in the last five years.
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Be available to participate in the fellowship from the designated start date.
In addition, applicants must demonstrate:
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Evidence of innovation in product, service, or market.
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At least six months of active development.
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A working minimum viable product (MVP), service, or prototype.
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Proof of early customer engagement or traction (e.g., initial sales).
How to Apply
Interested applicants can apply through the official portal:
Applications are now open for the 2025 Commonwealth Startup Fellowship (CSF), designed to accelerate startups from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries. This six-month program combines in-person and virtual learning, mentorship, and funding opportunities.
The program offers intensive training with a bootcamp in Ghana, global mentorship through expert-led sessions, funding via equity-free grants from a £35,000 Fellows Fund, and international exposure at a Capstone event in London. Eligible applicants must be graduates from Commonwealth countries, fluent in English, and available for the fellowship's duration. They should display innovation, have a minimum viable product, and early customer engagement. Applications can be submitted through the official portal.
