Grant opportunity
Commonwealth Startup Fellowship Cohort Three 2026-2027
A six-month blended fellowship helping high-potential Commonwealth founders strengthen their businesses, investment readiness, pitching and job-creation potential.
- Funder
- Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK / Imperial College London
- Applications close 1 September 2026
- Applications close 1 September 2026: Sep 1, 2026
- Award
- Fully funded travel and programme costs plus up to GBP 2,000 equity-free grant
- Applicant
- Graduate-level citizens or refugees permanently resident in an eligible low- or middle-income Commonwealth country who lead a legally registered, operating and revenue-generating startup with traction and potential to scale.
- Discipline
- Entrepreneurship, Business and Innovation
- Region
- Low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries
- Posted
- Aug 12, 2026
Call summary
Overview
The programme combines online learning with a two-week bootcamp in Accra and a capstone week in London, delivered by the CSC and Imperial College London.
Who can apply
The startup must be legally registered, operating for at least 12 months, beyond pilot stage, serving paying customers and creating positive social, economic or environmental outcomes. One founder represents each business.
What it supports
- Business growth and scaling
- Investment readiness and pitching
- Bootcamp in Ghana and capstone in the UK
Funding and duration
- Return travel, accommodation and catering for Accra and London
- Visa reimbursement
- Up to GBP 2,000 equity-free business or participation grant
Applications close 1 September 2026
Applications close 1 September 2026: Sep 1, 2026
How to apply
Complete the CSC form with business and team information, two referees, a one-minute video pitch, identity documents and evidence of traction.
Call details
Source-based overview
The fellowship is aimed at founders whose ventures already demonstrate demand and commercial progress and who are ready to use intensive support and global networks to scale their impact.
Eligibility
The startup must be legally registered, operating for at least 12 months, beyond pilot stage, serving paying customers and creating positive social, economic or environmental outcomes. One founder represents each business.
Funding and benefits
Return travel, accommodation and catering for Accra and London
Visa reimbursement
Up to GBP 2,000 equity-free business or participation grant
Themes and supported activities
Business growth and scaling
Investment readiness and pitching
Bootcamp in Ghana and capstone in the UK
Deadline and timeline
Applications close 1 September 2026: Applications close 1 September 2026: Sep 1, 2026.
Applicants should confirm the exact deadline time, time zone, required documents, portal steps and any institutional approvals on the official call page before submitting.
How to apply
Complete the CSC form with business and team information, two referees, a one-minute video pitch, identity documents and evidence of traction.
Before applying, check eligibility rules, budgets, attachments, page limits, partner requirements, cost-share conditions and whether the opportunity uses an expression of interest, full proposal, registration or nomination stage.