Application Deadline: June 1st, 2024
The Watson Institute Flagship Fellowship is a 16-week leadership and venture development program for impact-driven entrepreneurs seeking to elevate their ventures with access to a global network, training designed to strengthen skills, and mentorship with seasoned professionals, venture capitalists, and executives. The program will kick off with an in-person immersive in Boulder, Colorado in August 2024. The remainder of programming is virtual and provides award-winning training, committed mentorship, and a powerful community of peers for impact entrepreneurs to advance their ventures and lives.
Eligibility
- Who You Are:
- You are an entrepreneur or community leader deeply committed to creating sustainable, scalable impact in your community.
- You have an entrepreneurial spirit, a growth mindset, and are driven to grow as an effective leader within your community. The ideal venture stages for this fellowship are Problem-Solution Fit or Product-Market Fit phases, with engaged customers or beneficiaries, and demonstrated outcomes in both impact and revenue.
- You are able to commit to the 16-week program including the in-person Immersive in Boulder, Colorado starting on August 1st. We prioritize applicants who are fully committed to actively participating in the entire program. At the heart of the program is a strong sense of community, and its success hinges on the active engagement and enthusiasm of all participants, who are eager to both learn and share.
Dates & Details
- Dates: August 1st to November 12th, 2024 (16 weeks of programming).
- Format: The program launches with a 10-day Immersive, starting August 1st, 2024. Virtual sessions are held for the remaining 15 weeks of programming (weekly time commitment 8–10 hours per week).
- In-Person Immersive: 10-day Immersive starting August 1st, 2024 (20–25 hours per week time commitment).
- Training: Fellows will engage in weekly expert-led sessions covering Foundations, Data & Metrics, Go-To-Market, Funding, Team Management, and Pitch.
- Impact Series: Renowned leaders, entrepreneurs, and practitioners join the fellowships to share their entrepreneurial journey and experience, as well as mentor the Fellows. See previous Impact Series Speakers here.
- Basecamp: Basecamp, a term coined by Watson Institute, refers to a 1-3 day Impact Workshop led by each Fellow in their community. Its purpose is to gather a minimum participant base, allowing Fellows to share their venture work, receive feedback, and network. Basecamps also offer participants a hands-on experience in exploring social impact through entrepreneurship.
- Summit: This is a culminating community event where Fellows pitch to local leaders, funders, and entrepreneurs (November 12th, 2024).
- Venture Development Stipend: $20,000 in venture development stipends will be distributed among select Flagship Fellowship Fellows based on progress and impact throughout the Fellowship.
Application Process
1. Applications Submitted: Complete the online application. This application should take approximately 45 minutes to fill out. The priority deadline for application submissions is June 1st, 2024. Applications will be reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis thereafter until the spots are filled.
2. First Round Review: Our Admissions Committee diligently reviews all applications, seeking entrepreneurs who demonstrate strong leadership qualities and ventures that are both innovative and scalable. Applications received after the deadline will be assessed on a rolling basis as needed.
3. Interview: Qualified applicants will receive invitations for a 20-minute one-on-one Zoom interview. This interview allows us to delve deeper into your motivations for pursuing the fellowship and to gain a better understanding of your venture.
4. Admissions Committee Review: The most promising applicant profiles will be shared with our external Admissions Committee for their final review and selection.
5. Acceptances Announced: Notifications of acceptance will be sent out no later than June 27th, 2024.
6. Fellows Confirm & Enroll: The final step to complete your enrollment is to confirm your commitment to the program. Upon confirmation, you will receive an invitation to participate in a “Meet the Cohort Webinar” event leading up to the program’s commencement. The program begins on August 1st, 2024.
More Info: Watson Institute Flagship Fellowship Program
