The Western Union Global Fellowship, delivered by Watson Institute and supported by Western Union, is a fully funded 16-week programme designed to empower entrepreneurs working with refugees, displaced populations, and highly marginalised communities. The fellowship equips participants with the tools, networks, and mentorship required to scale impact-driven ventures and unlock economic opportunity across diverse global contexts. The 2026 cohort begins on August 11 and runs through December 3, with a priority application deadline of June 28, 2026. The programme is structured to combine leadership development, venture growth, and community impact through a blend of training, mentorship, and practical implementation. Programme Overview The fellowship is tailored for early-stage entrepreneurs and community leaders who are actively addressing systemic challenges affecting underserved populations. It integrates technical skill-building with leadership training to strengthen both individual capacity and organisational impact. Participants receive: Fully funded access to a 16-week structured fellowship Weekly live virtual workshops and mentorship sessions Financial stipends and community development funding Long-term alumni support and global networking opportunities Access to a curated ecosystem of experts, investors, and peers The programme is designed not only to support individual ventures but also to create multiplier effects within local communities. Core Fellowship Components Entrepreneurship and Leadership DevelopmentParticipants engage in a structured curriculum based on Watson Institute’s flagship fellowship model. This includes: Venture strategy and growth planning Leadership development and decision-making Systems thinking and community impact design Financial Tools and Capacity BuildingThe fellowship provides: Practical financial literacy training Tools for budgeting, forecasting, and sustainability Guidance from financial and venture development experts Basecamp Community Impact InitiativeA key feature of the programme is the Basecamp model: Fellows design and deliver a one-day entrepreneurship training event in their local community Focus on supporting early-stage entrepreneurs, particularly those from marginalised or displaced backgrounds Includes funding and structured guidance to ensure successful delivery Pitch Training and Global ExposureParticipants receive intensive coaching on: Storytelling and venture communication Investor-ready pitching techniques Presenting at a final Virtual Summit to global stakeholders Programme Structure and Time Commitment The fellowship requires a structured but flexible commitment: Weekly workshops held Tuesday to Thursday (8:00–10:00 AM MT) Total weekly commitment of approximately 8–10 hours Activities include training sessions, mentorship, community events, and project implementation The programme begins with a virtual immersive week (August 11–18), followed by ongoing sessions and concludes with a global summit where selected fellows present their ventures. Eligibility Criteria Profile of Ideal CandidatesApplicants should: Be entrepreneurs or community leaders working with refugee, displaced, or underserved populations Demonstrate strong commitment to social impact and community-driven solutions Bring lived experience or close proximity to the communities they serve Venture Requirements Organisation or business operating for 1–5 years Fewer than 10 employees Evidence of traction (customers, funding, or measurable impact) Open to all structures: nonprofit, for-profit, or social enterprise Geographic FocusPriority is given to applicants operating in or impacting communities in: United States (Denver, Austin, Miami) Costa Rica (Santa Ana) India (Pune) Philippines (Quezon City) Lithuania (Vilnius) Argentina (Buenos Aires) Italy (Rome) Brazil (São Paulo) Peru (Lima) Additional Requirements Minimum age of 18 years Full commitment to the programme schedule Willingness to actively engage in peer learning and collaboration Application Process The selection process is competitive and structured: Application Submission: Online application completed in approximately 30 minutes Review Stage: Evaluation by admissions committee based on impact potential and scalability Interview: Shortlisted candidates invited for a 20-minute virtual interview Final Selection: Decisions communicated by July 9, 2026 Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to early submissions. Programme Impact Over the past five years, the fellowship has supported more than 10,500 changemakers globally. Alumni report significant benefits, including: Strengthened leadership capacity Improved strategic direction of ventures Expanded global networks Increased ability to scale social impact initiatives The fellowship emphasises long-term engagement, with alumni continuing to access resources, partnerships, and collaborative opportunities beyond programme completion. Strategic Value The Western Union Global Fellowship stands out for its: Focus on underserved and displaced communities Integration of entrepreneurship with social impact Strong emphasis on practical application through Basecamps Global ecosystem of mentors and collaborators It is particularly suited for founders seeking to transition from early traction to scalable impact while remaining deeply rooted in community needs. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this fellowship. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.