2026–2027 Truist Foundation Fellowship: Fully Funded Support for Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners and Nonprofit Founders

Overview

The Truist Foundation Fellowship is a fully funded 16-week venture and leadership development program powered by the Watson Institute and supported by the Truist Foundation. Designed for impact-focused leaders, the program runs from March 2 to June 22, 2027, utilizing a combination of virtual learning and in-person activities. Selected participants commit to a substantial time investment throughout the duration of the program to strengthen their organizations, improve leadership capacities, build sustainable business models, and expand community impact.

Who can apply

The program welcomes entrepreneurs, small business owners, nonprofit founders, and other impact-focused leaders who are building organizations that create economic opportunity and improve lives in underserved and underbanked communities. Eligible applicants must have ventures that have advanced past the idea stage, meaning they already possess an operating business or organization, engaged clients, beneficiaries or customers, measurable results, and a degree of financial traction.

What you get

Participants receive entrepreneurship training, financial resources, expert mentorship, peer networking, pitch development, and access to a long-term alumni network. The fellowship includes roughly 16 weeks of business and leadership workshops covering strategy, financial literacy, and venture growth led by experienced practitioners. Fellows also gain financial tools, frameworks, and a $1,000 Community Development Stipend to design and lead a workshop or community event for earlier-stage entrepreneurs. Additional benefits include direct guidance from specialized mentors called Preceptors, dedicated pitch coaching, participation in a national peer network, and attendance at both an in-person Summit on June 3, 2027, and a virtual Summit on June 22, 2027.

Key dates

The priority application deadline is January 17, 2027, with application reviews occurring on a rolling basis following that date. Final selection decisions are communicated by February 20, 2027. The 16-week program officially begins on March 2, 2027, alongside a virtual immersive running from March 2 to March 12, 2027. The in-person Summit takes place on June 3, 2027, and the program concludes with a virtual Summit on June 22, 2027.