Apply for Truist Foundation Fellowship Program (US)

Fellows receive technical training, enhance their business acumen, and gain financial literacy knowledge, all tailored to amplify their impact within the communities they serve. This Fellowship is specifically intended for entrepreneurs dedicated to serving emerging markets across rural and urban Georgia through job creation and economic development initiatives.

Benefits

• The Fellowship Offers:
  • The Truist Foundation Fellowship, powered by the Watson Institute, is a fully-funded program for entrepreneurs, business owners, and nonprofit founders in Georgia at the “Problem-Solution or Product-Market Fit” venture stage. This intensive Fellowship provides tailored technical training, enhances business acumen, and fosters financial literacy to scale ventures effectively. Focused on underserved communities across Georgia, Fellows gain strategic insights and mentorship to drive sustainable economic development and job creation.
    • Venture Acceleration & Leadership Training
      • Fellows will engage in weekly expert-led sessions covering:
        • Foundations
        • Data & Metrics
        • Go-To-Market
        • Funding
        • Team Management
        • Pitch
    • Community & Network Building
      • A diverse cohort of entrepreneurs, small business owners, and nonprofit founders will form partnerships, collaborations, and further their growth and impact during and after the program. Community building activities include:
        • Engagement with Watson Institute Alumni
        • Self-organized Fellow events
        • Basecamp training and events
    • Mentorship & Collaboration
      • Renowned leaders, entrepreneurs, and practitioners join the Fellowship to share their entrepreneurial journey and experience, as well as mentor the Fellows. Fellows are provided with multiple mentorship opportunities that include:
        • Preceptor Advisory Board
        • Impact Speaker Series
        • Mentor Bonanza
    • Pitch Training & Summit
      • Throughout the program, Fellows will refine their pitch through guided sessions focused on crafting their story, showcasing impact, and effectively communicating their vision. The Summit is the culminating event where top Fellows pitch and present their ventures to local leaders, funders, and entrepreneurs. It’s a platform to catalyze change, forge partnerships, and unlock new opportunities for growth and impact.

What You will Accomplish?

• With the unwavering support of the Truist Foundation and Watson Institute teams, you will receive a comprehensive roadmap to guide the growth and scalability of your work and impact. Additionally, you will facilitate an Impactful Workshop (known as a Basecamp) in your community for your stakeholders, backed by a stipend, playbook, and team support to bring your vision to life.

Eligibility Criteria

• Here is who they are looking for
  • Who you are:
    • You are an entrepreneur, small business owner, or nonprofit leader with 1-5 years of traction, committed to job creation and economic development in underserved and underbanked communities, with an entrepreneurial spirit and a growth mindset.
  • Venture Stage:
    • You are an impact-driven entrepreneur with proven products, traction, and revenue, but not yet ready to scale. This Fellowship targets those in the ‘missing middle’ stage, between prototyping and scaling, who need support to grow. Ideal candidates have demonstrated impact in their communities and are in the Problem-Solution Fit or Product-Market Fit stages, with engaged customers and measurable impact and revenue.
  • Commitment:
    • You are able to commit to the 16-week program including a 1-day in person Immersive. They prioritize individuals who are fully committed to actively participating in the entire program. At the heart of the program is a strong sense of community, and its success hinges on the active engagement and enthusiasm of all participants, who are eager to both learn and share.
  • Where You Create Impact:
    • Applicants located in or creating impact in markets across rural and urban Georgia, United States.
      • If your location is not listed above, they encourage you to explore other Fellowships powered by Watson Institute. They are currently recruiting for several impactful Fellowship opportunities across a diverse range of locations.
  • What You Are Looking For:
    • You seek expert-guided entrepreneurial training, a supportive community for feedback, a broad mentor network to enhance your leadership, and opportunities to challenge yourself by leading a Basecamp event and other initiatives that benefit your venture and community.
  • Demographics:
    • Adults 18 or Older.

For more information, visit Watson Institute.