Truist Foundation Fellowship
Equipping Georgia-based entrepreneurs, small business owners, and nonprofit founders with the skills and network to scale their impact.
Priority Application deadline is January 3rd, 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis after the deadline.
Kewaan Drayton, 2024 Truist Foundation Fellowship Fellow and Victoria Baylor, 2024 Truist Foundation Fellowship Basecamp Participant
The Truist Foundation Fellowship, powered by the Watson Institute, is a fully-funded venture and leadership development program designed for entrepreneurs, business owners, and nonprofit founders in Georgia, United States. 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.
This program is fully-funded through the generous support of the Truist Foundation.
Dates and Details
- Dates: February 2nd to June 12th, 2025 (16 weeks of programming).
- Format: Weekly virtual workshops with localized gatherings and events when possible. Sessions are held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM ET.
- In-Person Immersive: All Fellows are invited to join a 1-day in-person immersive experience in Atlanta, Georgia, scheduled for February 8th, 2025, from 10 am to 5 pm ET.
- Basecamp: Basecamp refers to a 1-3 day Impact Workshop led by each Fellow in their community. Its purpose is to gather a base of participants, allowing Fellows to showcase their ventures, receive feedback, and expand their network. Additionally, Basecamps offer participants a hands-on experience in exploring social impact through entrepreneurship. Read more about Basecamps below.
- Community Development Stipend: Fellows will receive a dedicated Community Development Stipend to empower them to take active leadership in their local communities. This stipend can be used to organize and facilitate community events, foster collaboration among community members, and support initiatives aimed at accelerating collective growth. Whether it’s hosting workshops, networking events, or collaborative projects, the stipend provides Fellows with the resources to engage their community, build connections, and drive meaningful 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.
Here is who we 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. We 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, 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 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.
Application Process
1. Applications Submitted: Complete the online application. This application should take approximately 45 minutes to fill out. The priority deadline for application submissions is January 3rd, 2025. Applications will be reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis thereafter until the spots are filled.
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.
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 no later than January 24th, 2025.
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 on February 2nd, 2025.