Truist Foundation Fellowship 2026 , USA (Fully Funded)
The Truist Foundation Fellowship, powered by the Watson Institute at Lynn University, is a highly competitive, fully funded leadership and venture development fellowship designed for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit founders creating solutions for underbanked and underserved communities across the United States. Running from March to June, this 16-week program provides hands-on business training, expert mentorship, access to capital networks, and long-term alumni support to help founders scale their impact and build stronger local economies.
Degree Level
Fellowship Type
- Fully Funded Entrepreneurship & Leadership Fellowship
- Who Can Apply (Target Participants)
- Small business owners
- Entrepreneurs
- Nonprofit founders
- Community-focused venture leaders
Available Subjects
Program Focus Areas
- Small business growth and sustainability
- Financial literacy and business acumen
- Leadership development
- Community and economic impact
- Support for underbanked and underserved populations
Benefits
The fellowship offers a comprehensive support package at no cost to participants, including:
Business & Leadership Workshops
- Expert-led sessions on entrepreneurship, finance, operations, and leadership
- Practical, real-world training from successful founders and investors
Mentorship & Capital Connections
- Personalized mentorship from Watson Institute’s expert network
- Introductions to investors, funders, and strategic partners
Basecamps (Community Impact Workshops)
- Design and lead a 1–3 day community workshop for early-stage entrepreneurs
- Receive training and a stipend to strengthen your local entrepreneurial ecosystem
Pitch Training & In-Person Summit
- Structured pitch development and storytelling training
- Present your venture at a live Summit to mentors, investors, community leaders, and Truist Foundation representatives
Long-Term Alumni Support
- Lifetime access to Watson Institute’s alumni network
- Ongoing mentorship, resources, and funding opportunities
Program Schedule & Time Commitment
- Program Dates: March 4 – June 19,
- Immersive: March 4–12 (mandatory in-person component)
- Weekly Sessions: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday
- Time: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM ET
- Weekly Commitment: Approximately 8–10 hours per week
Note: Dates may vary visit official website for more information
Eligible Nationalities
People of all nationalities can apply for this fellowship.
Eligible Locations (Where You Work)
Applicants must be located in and creating impact in the following U.S. regions:
- Southeast: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee
- Mid-Atlantic: Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia
- Northeast: New Jersey, Pennsylvania
- South Central: Texas, Ohio
- Midwest: Indiana
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be 18 years or older
- Be a small business owner, entrepreneur, or nonprofit leader
- Business or organization has been operating for 1–5 years
- Fewer than 10 employees
- Demonstrated traction:
- Engaged customers
- Measurable social or economic impact
- Some funding secured (revenue, grants, investments, or donations)
- Commitment to full participation in the 16-week program
- Actively serving underbanked or underserved communities
Application Procedure
Online Application
- Takes approximately 30 minutes to complete
- Priority deadline: January 12
- Applications reviewed on a rolling basis until all spots are filled
Application Review
- Evaluated by the Watson Institute Admissions Committee
- Early applicants receive priority consideration
Interview
- Selected candidates invited to a 20-minute Zoom interview
Final Selection & Enrollment
- Final decisions announced by February 9
- Program begins on March
Key Dates
- Priority Application Deadline: January 12
- Final Decisions Announced: February 9
- Program Start Date: March 4
- Summit: June
Note: Dates may vary visit official website for more information.
Impact of the Truist Foundation Fellowship
Since 2021, the Truist Foundation Fellowship has supported 2,400+ entrepreneurs, with Fellows:
- Creating 433 jobs
- Raising $11.5 million in capital
- Strengthening small businesses and local economies nationwide
About the Truist Foundation & Watson Institute
The Truist Foundation is an independent, endowed private foundation focused on:
- Building career pathways to economic mobility
- Strengthening small businesses
- Disaster preparation, relief, and recovery
The Watson Institute specializes in fellowship-based education for social impact leaders, offering world-class mentorship, experiential learning, and global networks.
