Watson Institute : The Wells Fargo Small Business Fellowship 2026 (Fully Funded)

Get latest opportunities in your email

---

Join Our Telegram Channel

About Watson Institute : The Wells Fargo Small Business Fellowship

The Wells Fargo Small Business Fellowship is a fully-funded 16-week program for small business owners and nonprofit leaders who are creating jobs and economic opportunities in lower-income communities in Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Chicago. Through expert-led training, capital connections, and leadership development, Fellows gain the tools to scale their impact while building stronger entrepreneurial ecosystems in their communities. Eligible applicants must have a few years of operational experience and fewer than 10 employees.

• Sponsor Organisation: Watson Institute

Benefits of Watson Institute : The Wells Fargo Small Business Fellowship

• Fellows gain training, mentorship, funding opportunities, and community-building skills.

• Alumni report increased revenue, expanded networks, stronger leadership, and lasting community impact.

• Watson Institute alumni have raised $190M+, created 2,300+ jobs, and impacted 11M+ people worldwide.

Watson Institute : The Wells Fargo Small Business Fellowship Requirements

• Small business owners, nonprofit leaders, or entrepreneurs with proven results supporting other businesses or connecting communities to financial products.

• Must have ~$100,000 in revenue or operating budget and be located in Baltimore, Chicago, or D.C.

• Commitment to full program participation is required.

Application Date and Process

• Submit Your Application: Candidates complete the online application in approximately 30 minutes. Submit by the priority deadline of January 8, 2025, for early consideration. Applications will continue to be reviewed on a rolling basis until all spots are filled.
• Application Review: Our Admissions Committee evaluates applications to identify innovative entrepreneurs with scalable ventures and strong potential for impact. Early applicants receive priority consideration.
• Interview: Selected candidates will be invited to a 20-minute Zoom interview to share their entrepreneurial journey, discuss their venture’s vision for growth, and explore how the Fellowship aligns with their goals.
• Final Selection & Enrollment: Final decisions will be announced by February 2, 2026. Accepted applicants must confirm their enrollment to secure their spot. The program begins on February 25, 2026.

Application Deadline

08 January, 2026

Scholarship Application Portal

View details of Watson Institute : The Wells Fargo Small Business Fellowship

Apply for Watson Institute : The Wells Fargo Small Business Fellowship