Table of Contents
The Western Union Foundation Fellowship offers a leadership and venture development initiative tailored for entrepreneurs and community leaders hailing from or involved with highly marginalized, refugee, and forcibly displaced communities worldwide.
This global program, conducted virtually, aims to empower emerging entrepreneurs and leaders with the necessary skills and experiences to enhance economic accessibility, foster valuable networks, and drive community transformation.
Join our Telegram Channel for Updates
Program Highlights
Training and Skill Development: Interactive modules led by subject-matter experts covering various areas such as Sales, Data & Metrics, Business Foundations, and Funding.
Mentorship & Community: Engagement with renowned entrepreneurs, industry experts, global alumni, and local partners to receive mentorship and support throughout the program.
Pitch Coaching: Opportunity to present at a high-profile pitch event attended by a global network of employees, mentors, alumni, and partners.
Venture Development Stipend: Distribution of $36,000 in venture development stipends among selected Western Union Foundation Fellows based on their progress and impact during the Fellowship.
Applicant Criteria
Entrepreneurs or community leaders from highly marginalized, refugee, and forcibly displaced communities.
Demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit, growth mindset, and a commitment to becoming effective leaders within their communities.
Preference for ventures at the Problem-Solution Fit or Product-Market Fit stages, with engaged customers or beneficiaries, and demonstrated impact and revenue outcomes.
Ability to commit to the 16-week program, including a 2-week virtual immersive experience.
Impact Locations: Priority given to applicants from and/or creating impact in specified regions, with preference for Uganda, Colombia, Mexico, Pakistan, and the United States.
Program Structure
Duration: August 8th, 2024, to November 19th, 2024 (16 weeks).
Format: Weekly virtual workshops with localized gatherings and events when feasible (8-10 hours per week).
Immersive & Orientation: 2-week virtual immersive starting August 8th, 2024 (20–25 hours per week).
Training: Weekly expert-led modules covering various topics including Foundations, Data & Metrics, Go-To-Market, Funding, Team Management, and Pitch.
Impact Series: Renowned leaders, entrepreneurs, and practitioners sharing their entrepreneurial journey and mentoring the Fellows.
Basecamp: Fellow-led workshops in each community to brainstorm solutions, design business models, and communicate effectively.
Summit: Culminating event where select Fellows pitch to leaders, funders, and entrepreneurs.
Application Process
Complete the online application by June 1st, 2024.
First-round review by the Admissions Committee.
Qualified applicants proceed to a 20-minute one-on-one Zoom interview.
Final selection by the external Admissions Committee.
Acceptance notifications sent during the week of July 1st, 2024.
Confirmed fellows participate in a “Meet the Cohort Webinar” event before the program commences on August 8th, 2024.
Application Deadline: June 1, 2024.
