Time Limited Programme 2024 & 2025: Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Job Creation
With 60% of the Commonwealth’s population under the age of 30, there is a pressing need to create high quality employment opportunities for young people starting to enter the workforce. The World Bank estimates that 600 million new jobs will be required globally by 2030. Since SMEs make up the vast majority of businesses globally, they play a crucial role in driving job creation and supporting overall economic growth. In recognition of this need to support growing businesses, the CSC has introduced a new programme to run for both the 2024-25 and 2025-26 Time Limited Programmes (TLP), known as the Commonwealth Start-Up Fellowship (CSF).
The Programme
The CSF is designed to ignite and elevate high-potential startups from low and middle income Commonwealth countries. The programme will initially run over two cohorts, in 2024 and 2025.
The programme is being delivered in partnership with the Imperial College London Enterprise Lab and offers a blend of immersive in-person experiences and online learning, starting with an in-person bootcamp at the new Imperial Global Campus in Accra, Ghana.
Following this, Fellows take part in five months of bespoke online learning and business coaching. Each business has access to tailored mentorship throughout the programme, as well being able to benefit from subject experts who can offer personalised advice on areas such as fundraising, branding, go-to-market strategies, team growth, and financial planning.
At the end of the programme, fellows will take part in an international investor event, where they have the opportunity to pitch to a global audience of investors, mentors, and partners as well as hear from high-profile speakers from across the Commonwealth.
CSF: Cohort One
Twenty businesses were selected for cohort one, representing ten Commonwealth countries. Businesses being support are from a wide range of industries including sustainable farming, renewable energy, health, childcare and education. Founders profiles can be viewed here: Selected CSF Fellows
CSF: Cohort Two
In November 2025, the second programme will commence. Applications for cohort two will open in June 2025, and the CSC particularly welcomes applications from the following countries/regions;
- Caribbean
- Pacific Islands
- Botswana
- Eswatini
- Gabon
- The Gambia
- Malaysia
- Mauritius
- Maldives
- Mozambique
- Sri Lanka
- Togo
