2026 Western Union Global Fellowship - Application Process

The Western Union Foundation Fellowship Program is a venture and leadership accelerator program that is designed for entrepreneurs and community leaders from highly marginalised, refugee, and forcibly displaced populations worldwide.

The Western Union Fellowship is a fully-funded virtual and global program that is designed to equip the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders with the knowledge and expertise necessary to improve their access to economic opportunity, establish valuable networks and resources, and transform their cities.

We will provide the fellowship details in a straightforward manner in this post. Additionally, you will receive information regarding the procedures associated with the submission of your application.

Key Facts

Host: Western Union | Watson Institute

Category: Training | Fellowships

Eligible Countries: All Countries

Reward: Full Sponsorship | $36,000 (seed funding)

Deadline: June 28, 2026

About Western Union Global Fellowship

The Western Union Global Fellowship is a Fellowship designed for entrepreneurs impacting refugees, highly marginalized, and displaced individuals globally.

Supported by Western Union and powered by Watson Institute, this fully-funded 16-week program provides training, committed mentorship, financial literacy skills, financial stipends, long-term Alumni support, a playbook and funds to power a 1-day Basecamp in their community, and a global network of support to help exceptional entrepreneurs and leaders access economic opportunity, advance their impact, and transform their communities.

who we are looking for

You are an entrepreneur or community leader who has experienced the challenges of highly marginalized, refugee, or forcibly displaced communities, or who is actively working to support these populations.
You are deeply committed to addressing issues affecting historically underserved communities and driving meaningful, community-centered impact.
We particularly value proximate leaders—those who come from these communities or work closely with them, bringing lived experience and close connection to the challenges at hand.

Your Business Stage:

Your business or organization has been operating for 1-5 years with fewer than 10 employees.
You have engaged customers, measurable results, and have secured some funding through grants, investments, donations, or revenue, and you’re ready to grow to the next level. (All legal business structures welcome: for-profit, nonprofit, social enterprise, etc.).

Your Commitment:

You must be able to commit to the full 16-week program, including the mandatory virtual Immersive and weekly workshops held Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8:00–10:00 AM MT.
We prioritize participants who are fully committed to active engagement throughout the entire program.
The program’s success depends on building a strong community where all participants are enthusiastic about both learning and sharing their experiences with others.

Where You Work:

Applicants who are located in and/or creating impact in the following countries are encouraged to apply:

United States: Denver, Austin, Miami
Costa Rica: Santa Ana
India: Pune
Philippines: Quezon City
Lithuania: Vilnius
Argentina: Buenos Aires
Italy: Rome
Brazil: São Paulo
Peru: Lima

What You Are Looking For:

You seek expert-guided entrepreneurial training through Watson Institute’s signature Flagship Fellowship curriculum, specialized mentorship from Entrepreneurs in Residence with lived experience supporting communities on the move, a supportive global community for feedback, a broad mentor network to enhance your leadership, and opportunities to challenge yourself by leading a Basecamp training program and other initiatives that benefit your venture and community.

You bring an entrepreneurial spirit and growth mindset to this work.

Western Union Foundation Fellowship Duration and Reward

This Western Union Fellowship Program is fully funded through the generous support of Western Union.

Format: Weekly virtual workshops with localized gatherings and events when possible (6-8 hours per week per week time commitment)
Immersive & Orientation: 2-week virtual Immersive program (20–25 hours per week time commitment)
Workshops & Training: Modules include Foundations, Data & Metrics, Go-To-Market, Funding, Team Management, and Pitch
Impact Series: The world’s foremost leaders, entrepreneurs, and practitioners are invited to our programs to share their entrepreneurial journey and experience as well as mentor the Watson Institute and Fellows.
Basecamp: 2+ day workshops designed to Fellows’ communities to ideate solutions, design business models, and compellingly communicate their businesses and organizations to an external audience.
Summit: Culminating community event where Fellows pitch to local leaders, funders, and entrepreneurs
Seed Funding: $36,000 in seed funding will be distributed among select Western Union Foundation Fellows based on progress and impact throughout the Fellowship.