Western Union Global Fellowship 2026: Fully Funded 16-Week Program for Entrepreneurs Supporting Refugees and Marginalized Communities
The Western Union Global Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded 16-week program for entrepreneurs and community leaders who support refugees, displaced people, and marginalized communities. Selected participants receive structured entrepreneurship training, mentorship, financial resources, stipends, and pitch development.
Overview
The Western Union Global Fellowship is an entrepreneurship and leadership development initiative supported by Western Union and powered by Watson Institute. Designed for proximate leaders and changemakers, the program equips individuals who create meaningful impact for refugees, forcibly displaced people, and highly marginalized populations.
The virtual 16-week program runs from August 11 to December 3, 2026. Major components include:
- A fully funded 16-week Fellowship experience
- Flagship entrepreneurship and leadership workshops
- Practical financial tools, resources, and literacy training
- Committed mentorship and one-on-one guidance from expert practitioners
- Financial stipends and community development funding to organize a one-day Basecamp
- Pitch development and participation in a virtual Summit on December 3, 2026
- Long-term alumni support and access to a global network of entrepreneurs
Benefits
- Fully funded fellowship experience with financial stipends.
- Expert mentorship, specialized guidance, and peer learning opportunities.
- Resources and funding to design and lead a one-day Basecamp entrepreneurship training for local communities.
- Pitch training and presentation opportunities at the Virtual Summit.
- Access to international investors, stakeholders, and long-term alumni support.
Eligibility
- Target Audience: Entrepreneurs and community leaders with personal lived experience of displacement or marginalization, or those working closely with these groups.
- Venture Stage: Organizations should generally have operated for approximately one to five years.
- Team Size: Ventures must employ fewer than 10 people.
- Traction & Funding: Must have engaged customers or beneficiaries, demonstrated measurable results, and generated or secured some form of funding (revenue, grants, donations, or investments).
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
- Time Commitment: Ability to dedicate approximately 8–10 hours per week and participate in mandatory workshops (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. Mountain Time) and the opening virtual Immersive.
- Geographic Focus: Particular encouragement is given to applicants located in or creating impact in designated areas including the United States, Costa Rica, India, Philippines, Lithuania, Argentina, Italy, Brazil, and Peru.
How to Apply
Candidates can apply by submitting the online application, which takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. Selected applicants will be invited to a 20-minute Zoom interview with the Admissions Committee. Because rolling admissions are used, interested candidates should check the current status and apply as early as possible.
Deadline
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all available places are filled. The priority application deadline is extended to August 11, 2026.