Empowering Communities Through Entrepreneurship: BMO Fellowship
The BMO Fellowship, powered by Watson Institute, is a fully-funded program for entrepreneurs and small business owners driving economic opportunity in their communities. Fellows are increasing their communities’ access to formal financial services, tools, and literacy, supporting and enhancing the small business ecosystem in their market, or expanding home ownership opportunities for families locked out of wealth-building pathways. Fellows gain the skills, insights, peer network, and long-term Alumni support needed to drive sustainable impact and growth in their communities. The fellowship provides entrepreneurs with training, expert-led workshops, and a powerful network to bring financial services to underbanked communities, support small businesses, and expand home ownership opportunities.
The fellowship operates through a carefully designed framework that combines educational sessions, collaborative learning environments, and real-world application. Participants engage with contemporary business challenges while exploring ways to align their work with larger societal goals, particularly in areas such as financial inclusion and economic opportunity. A distinctive feature of the program is its focus on community-centered learning, encouraging participants to actively engage with and contribute to their local entrepreneurial ecosystems.The fellowship integrates elements of leadership development, financial understanding, and community engagement into a cohesive learning journey. Rather than focusing solely on business expansion, the program emphasizes the importance of building ventures that contribute to long-term economic resilience and accessibility
- Youth Opportunities:
- Fully Funded Conferences:
- Full Scholarships:
- Paid Internships/Jobs:
- Circle:
By bringing together a diverse group of entrepreneurs, the BMO Fellowship fosters an environment of shared learning and cross-sector dialogue. It creates a platform where ideas, experiences, and perspectives intersect, allowing participants to gain a broader understanding of the challenges and opportunities shaping modern entrepreneurship. This collective approach strengthens not only individual ventures but also the wider communities they serve. The BMO Fellowship stands as a reflection of a growing global emphasis on responsible entrepreneurship where innovation, leadership, and social impact are deeply interconnected, and where businesses are viewed as powerful instruments for sustainable and inclusive development.
### Location:
United States
### Benefits
- Business & Leadership Workshops: Participate in 16 weeks of expert-led entrepreneurship training focused on business acumen and financial literacy, delivered by experienced practitioners.
- Financial Tools & Resources: Gain access to practical financial frameworks, tools, and workshops designed to strengthen the financial foundation of your venture.
- Basecamp Leadership Experience: Design and lead a one-day entrepreneurship training program for small business owners in your community, creating real local impact.
- Pitch Training & Virtual Summit: Develop a professional, compelling pitch through training, and present your business progress at a Virtual Summit to key stakeholders.
- Expert Mentorship & Network Access: Engage with mentors, BMO teams, and a broader network through workshops, guest sessions, and collaborative learning opportunities.
- Long-term Alumni Support: Continue receiving support, connections, and opportunities even after completing the fellowship through an active alumni network.
- Community & Ecosystem Impact: Contribute to expanding financial services, supporting small businesses, and strengthening local economic ecosystems through your work.
### Eligibilities
- Entrepreneur or Community Leader: Applicants must be small business owners or leaders committed to creating sustainable and scalable economic impact in their communities.
- Impact Focus Areas: Their work should align with at least one of the following—expanding financial services for underbanked communities, supporting small businesses, or increasing access to homeownership opportunities.
- Location Requirement: Applicants must be based in and creating impact within specific U.S. regions—Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, or Denver.
- Business Stage: The venture must be operating for 1–5 years, have fewer than 10 employees, and show early traction such as customers, measurable results, or initial funding.
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Commitment to Program: Participants must be able to fully commit to the 16-week program, including scheduled workshops and required activities.
- Growth Mindset & Leadership Potential: Candidates should demonstrate an entrepreneurial mindset, willingness to grow, and motivation to develop as leaders.
Eligible Regions: Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, or Denver.
### Application Process
- Submit Your Application: Candidates complete the online application in approximately 30 minutes. Submit by the priority deadline of July 12, 2026, 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 July 22, 2026. Accepted applicants must confirm their enrollment to secure their spot. The program begins on August 25, 2026.
Application Deadline: July 13, 2026 (80 Days Remaining)
Apply nowOfficial link
### For Further Queries
For further queries contact at https://watson.is/contact-watson-institute
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