Overview
Fully Funded Entrepreneurship & Leadership Fellowship
Who Can Apply (Target Participants)
Description
Fully Funded Entrepreneurship & Leadership Fellowship
Who Can Apply (Target Participants)
Small business owners
Entrepreneurs
Nonprofit founders
Community-focused venture leaders
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Be 18 years or older
Be a small business owner, entrepreneur, or nonprofit leader
Business or organization has been operating for 1–5 years
Fewer than 10 employees
Demonstrated traction:
Engaged customers
Measurable social or economic impact
Some funding secured (revenue, grants, investments, or donations)
Commitment to full participation in the 16-week program
Actively serving underbanked or underserved communities
Additional Information
Fellowship Type
Fully Funded Entrepreneurship & Leadership Fellowship
Who Can Apply (Target Participants)
Small business owners
Entrepreneurs
Nonprofit founders
Community-focused venture leaders
Program Focus Areas
Small business growth and sustainability
Financial literacy and business acumen
Leadership development
Community and economic impact
Support for underbanked and underserved populations
Benefits
The fellowship offers a comprehensive support package at no cost to participants, including:
Business & Leadership Workshops
Expert-led sessions on entrepreneurship, finance, operations, and leadership
Practical, real-world training from successful founders and investors
Mentorship & Capital Connections
Personalized mentorship from Watson Institute’s expert network
Introductions to investors, funders, and strategic partners
Basecamps (Community Impact Workshops)
Design and lead a 1–3 day community workshop for early-stage entrepreneurs
Receive training and a stipend to strengthen your local entrepreneurial ecosystem
Pitch Training & In-Person Summit
Structured pitch development and storytelling training
Present your venture at a live Summit to mentors, investors, community leaders, and Truist Foundation representatives
Long-Term Alumni Support
Lifetime access to Watson Institute’s alumni network
Ongoing mentorship, resources, and funding opportunities
Program Schedule & Time Commitment
Program Dates: March 4 – June 19,
Immersive: March 4–12 (mandatory in-person component)
Weekly Sessions: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday
Time: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM ET
Weekly Commitment: Approximately 8–10 hours per week
Note: Dates may vary visit official website for more information
Eligible Nationalities
People of all nationalities can apply for this fellowship.
Eligible Locations Where You Work
Applicants must be located in and creating impact in the following U.S. regions:
Southeast: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee
Mid-Atlantic: Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia
Northeast: New Jersey, Pennsylvania
South Central: Texas, Ohio
Midwest: Indiana
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Be 18 years or older
Be a small business owner, entrepreneur, or nonprofit leader
Business or organization has been operating for 1–5 years
Fewer than 10 employees
Demonstrated traction:
Engaged customers
Measurable social or economic impact
Some funding secured (revenue, grants, investments, or donations)
Commitment to full participation in the 16-week program
Actively serving underbanked or underserved communities
Application Procedure
Online Application
Takes approximately 30 minutes to complete
Priority deadline: January 12
Applications reviewed on a rolling basis until all spots are filled
Application Review
Evaluated by the Watson Institute Admissions Committee
Early applicants receive priority consideration
Interview
Selected candidates invited to a 20-minute Zoom interview
Final Selection & Enrollment
Final decisions announced by February 9
Program begins on March
Key Dates
Priority Application Deadline: January 12
Final Decisions Announced: February 9
Program Start Date: March 4
Summit: June
Note: Dates may vary visit official website for more information.
Impact Of The Truist Foundation Fellowship
Since 2021, the Truist Foundation Fellowship has supported 2,400+ entrepreneurs, with Fellows:
Creating 433 jobs
Raising $11.5 million in capital
Strengthening small businesses and local economies nationwide
About The Truist Foundation Watson Institute
The Truist Foundation is an independent, endowed private foundation focused on:
Building career pathways to economic mobility
Strengthening small businesses
Disaster preparation, relief, and recovery
The Watson Institute specializes in fellowship-based education for social impact leaders, offering world-class mentorship, experiential learning, and global networks.
Frequently Asked Questions Faqs
What is the Truist Foundation Fellowship? The Truist Foundation Fellowship is a fully funded 16-week entrepreneurship and leadership program for small business owners and nonprofit founders serving underbanked and underserved communities in the United States.
Is the Truist Foundation Fellowship free to join? Yes. The program is fully funded by the Truist Foundation, and there are no program fees for Fellows.
Who should apply for the Truist Foundation Fellowship 2026? Entrepreneurs, small business owners, and nonprofit leaders with 1–5 years of operations, fewer than 10 employees, and a strong commitment to community impact should apply.
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