Watson Institute Ford Fund Fellowship: Empowering dedicated entrepreneurs to amplify impactful ventures 2024

The Ford Fund Fellowship is an intensive venture and leadership development program designed to empower entrepreneurs and community leaders to elevate the impactful ventures they are building. This fully-funded virtual program aims to equip these next-generation entrepreneurs with the essential skills and hands-on experience necessary to enhance their ventures, access invaluable networks and resources, and drive transformative change in their communities.

• Table of Content
• About Watson Institute
• Watson Institute Ford Fund Fellowship
• Aim and Benefits of Watson Institute Ford Fund Fellowship
• Watson Institute Ford Fund Fellowship Courses
• Requirements for Watson Institute Ford Fund Fellowship Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for Watson Institute Ford Fund Fellowship
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About Watson Institute

Watson Institute is a place where next generation entrepreneurs and leaders can find their community, discover their calling, and accelerate their careers. We provide the tools, network, mindset, and courage for the next generation to solve the toughest challenges facing the world, launch successful careers, and lead impactful lives. Watson Institute has locations in Boulder, Colorado, at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida, and at Universidad Francisco Marroquín (UFM) in Guatemala City, Guatemala. We are now building partnerships with innovative institutions o... continue reading

Watson Institute Ford Fund Fellowship

Aim and Benefits of Watson Institute Ford Fund Fellowship

This is a fully-funded program thanks to the support of the Ford Motor Company Fund.

Venture Development Stipend:

•  $40,000 in venture development stipends distributed among chosen Ford Fund Fellows based on their progress and impact throughout the Fellowship.

Watson Institute Ford Fund Fellowship Courses

• Entrepreneurship

Requirements for Watson Institute Ford Fund Fellowship Qualification

• Who You Are:
  • You are an entrepreneur or community leader deeply committed to creating sustainable, scalable impact in your community.
  • You are at the helm of a social impact venture or community endeavor in its initial stages, showcasing a history of making a difference. Ideally, your venture is in the space of mobility, transportation, or accessibility.
  • You have an entrepreneurial spirit, a growth mindset, and are driven to grow as an effective leader within your community. The ideal venture stage for this fellowship are those in the Problem-Solution Fit or Product-Market Fit phases, with engaged customers or beneficiaries, and demonstrated outcomes in both impact and revenue.
• Where You Create Impact: Applicants located in and/or creating impact in the following locations:
  • Global: China, Germany, Mexico, Romania, South Africa,United Kingdom (includes Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland)
  • United States: Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Kansas City, Louisville, Memphis
  • If your location is not listed above, we encourage you to explore other fellowships powered by Watson Institute. We are currently recruiting for several impactful fellowship opportunities across a diverse range of locations.
• What You Are Looking For: You are looking for expert-guided entrepreneurial training, a community of entrepreneurs to give you feedback that improves your venture, and a wide-reaching mentorship network to enhance your leadership abilities and the impact of your venture.
• What You Will Accomplish: With the unwavering support of the Watson Institute team, you will receive a comprehensive roadmap to guide the growth and scalability of your work and impact. Additionally, you will facilitate an impactful workshop and training session (known as a Basecamp) in your community for your stakeholders, backed by a stipend, playbook, and team support to bring your vision to life.

Interview date, Process and Venue for Watson Institute Ford Fund Fellowship

1. Applications Submitted: Complete the online application. This application should take approximately 45 minutes to fill out. The final deadline for application submissions is January 15th, 2024.

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. Interviews will commence during the week of January 2nd, 2024.

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 during the week of February 1st, 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 March 4th, 2024.

Dates & Details

Dates: March 4th to June 27th, 2024 (16-weeks of programming).

Format: Weekly virtual workshops with localized gatherings and events when possible. Sessions are held Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:30am – 10:30am MT.

Immersive: 2-week virtual Immersive beginning March 4th, 2024 (10–15 hours time commitment each week).

Training: Weekly expert-led modules covering Foundations, Data & Metrics, Go-To-Market, Funding, Team Management, and Pitch.

Impact Series: Renowned leaders, entrepreneurs, and practitioners join the fellowships we empower to share their entrepreneurial journey and experience, as well as mentor the Fellows. See previous Impact Series Speakers here.

Basecamp: 2-day workshops designed and led by Fellows for their own stakeholders and communities.

Summit: Culminating community event where select Fellows pitch to local leaders, funders, and entrepreneurs (June 27th, 2024).

Venture Development Stipend: $40,000 in venture development stipends distributed among chosen Ford Fund Fellows based on their progress and impact throughout the Fellowship.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

 Complete the online application. This application should take approximately 45 minutes to fill out. The final deadline for application submissions is January 15th, 2024.

For more deatials visit: Watson Institute website.