The Western Union Global Fellowship, delivered by Watson Institute and supported by Western Union, is a fully funded 16-week programme designed to empower entrepreneurs working with refugees, displaced populations, and highly marginalised communities. The fellowship equips participants with the tools, networks, and mentorship required to scale impact-driven ventures and unlock economic opportunity across diverse global contexts.

The 2026 cohort begins on August 11 and runs through December 3, with a priority application deadline of June 28, 2026. The programme is structured to combine leadership development, venture growth, and community impact through a blend of training, mentorship, and practical implementation.

Programme Overview

The fellowship is tailored for early-stage entrepreneurs and community leaders who are actively addressing systemic challenges affecting underserved populations. It integrates technical skill-building with leadership training to strengthen both individual capacity and organisational impact.

Participants receive:

Fully funded access to a 16-week structured fellowship
Weekly live virtual workshops and mentorship sessions
Financial stipends and community development funding
Long-term alumni support and global networking opportunities
Access to a curated ecosystem of experts, investors, and peers

The programme is designed not only to support individual ventures but also to create multiplier effects within local communities.

Core Fellowship Components

Entrepreneurship and Leadership Development
Participants engage in a structured curriculum based on Watson Institute’s flagship fellowship model. This includes:

Venture strategy and growth planning
Leadership development and decision-making
Systems thinking and community impact design

Financial Tools and Capacity Building
The fellowship provides:

Practical financial literacy training
Tools for budgeting, forecasting, and sustainability
Guidance from financial and venture development experts

Basecamp Community Impact Initiative
A key feature of the programme is the Basecamp model:

Fellows design and deliver a one-day entrepreneurship training event in their local community
Focus on supporting early-stage entrepreneurs, particularly those from marginalised or displaced backgrounds
Includes funding and structured guidance to ensure successful delivery

Pitch Training and Global Exposure
Participants receive intensive coaching on:

Storytelling and venture communication
Investor-ready pitching techniques
Presenting at a final Virtual Summit to global stakeholders

Programme Structure and Time Commitment

The fellowship requires a structured but flexible commitment:

Weekly workshops held Tuesday to Thursday (8:00–10:00 AM MT)
Total weekly commitment of approximately 8–10 hours
Activities include training sessions, mentorship, community events, and project implementation

The programme begins with a virtual immersive week (August 11–18), followed by ongoing sessions and concludes with a global summit where selected fellows present their ventures.

Eligibility Criteria

Profile of Ideal Candidates
Applicants should:

Be entrepreneurs or community leaders working with refugee, displaced, or underserved populations
Demonstrate strong commitment to social impact and community-driven solutions
Bring lived experience or close proximity to the communities they serve

Venture Requirements

Organisation or business operating for 1–5 years
Fewer than 10 employees
Evidence of traction (customers, funding, or measurable impact)
Open to all structures: nonprofit, for-profit, or social enterprise

Geographic Focus
Priority is given to applicants operating in or impacting communities in:

United States (Denver, Austin, Miami)
Costa Rica (Santa Ana)
India (Pune)
Philippines (Quezon City)
Lithuania (Vilnius)
Argentina (Buenos Aires)
Italy (Rome)
Brazil (São Paulo)
Peru (Lima)

Additional Requirements

Minimum age of 18 years
Full commitment to the programme schedule
Willingness to actively engage in peer learning and collaboration

Application Process

The selection process is competitive and structured:

Application Submission: Online application completed in approximately 30 minutes
Review Stage: Evaluation by admissions committee based on impact potential and scalability
Interview: Shortlisted candidates invited for a 20-minute virtual interview
Final Selection: Decisions communicated by July 9, 2026

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to early submissions.

Programme Impact

Over the past five years, the fellowship has supported more than 10,500 changemakers globally. Alumni report significant benefits, including:

Strengthened leadership capacity
Improved strategic direction of ventures
Expanded global networks
Increased ability to scale social impact initiatives

The fellowship emphasises long-term engagement, with alumni continuing to access resources, partnerships, and collaborative opportunities beyond programme completion.

Strategic Value

The Western Union Global Fellowship stands out for its:

Focus on underserved and displaced communities
Integration of entrepreneurship with social impact
Strong emphasis on practical application through Basecamps
Global ecosystem of mentors and collaborators

It is particularly suited for founders seeking to transition from early traction to scalable impact while remaining deeply rooted in community needs.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this fellowship. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.