The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship funds early-stage entrepreneurs from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries to scale their startups through a hybrid program of online modules and an in-person bootcamp in Accra, Ghana. It exists to build entrepreneurial capacity, foster global networking, and drive economic growth and job creation in the founders' home countries by supporting ventures with proven traction and innovation.

- Graduate-level individual (degree required) - Citizen or refugee status in a low- or middle-income Commonwealth country (e.g., Nigeria qualifies) - Permanent residence in an eligible country - Fluent written and spoken English - Not received a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship in the last 5 years - Available for full fellowship schedule (including 14–30 Nov 2025 bootcamp in Accra) - Innovation in product, service, or market strategy - Active business development for at least 6 months - Working minimum viable product, service, or prototype - Proof of customer traction – early sales, pre-sales, signed contracts, or similar evidence

The page does not list specific past winners or cohort profiles. Based on the program's focus, past cohorts likely include founders with revenue-generating or pilot-stage startups in sectors like agritech, healthtech, fintech, and clean energy, with clear traction in their home markets. Archetypes are entrepreneurs who have moved beyond ideation to active sales or contracts.

A graduate-level entrepreneur from a low- or middle-income Commonwealth country who has been actively developing their startup for at least 6 months, with a working prototype or MVP and documented customer traction (e.g., early sales, pre-sales, or signed contracts). The venture should be innovative and scalable, with a clear plan to create jobs and economic impact in the founder's home country.