Truist Foundation Fellowship 2027 – USA (Fully Funded)
About the Organization
The Truist Foundation Fellowship, powered by the Watson Institute at Lynn University, is a highly competitive, fully funded leadership and venture development fellowship. It supports small business owners, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit founders who are creating solutions for underbanked and underserved communities across the United States. The program provides hands-on business training, mentorship, access to capital networks, and long-term alumni support to help founders scale their impact and strengthen local economies.
Program Type
Entrepreneurship & Leadership Fellowship
Fully Funded
Degree Level
Fellowship
Duration
16 weeks (March – June)
Target Participants
Small business owners
Entrepreneurs
Nonprofit founders
Community-focused venture leaders
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 (Fully Funded)
Business and Leadership Workshops with expert-led sessions
Practical training from successful founders and investors
Personalized mentorship and access to capital networks
Basecamps: 1–3 day community workshops with stipend
Pitch training and in-person summit presentation
Lifetime access to Watson Institute alumni network
Ongoing mentorship, resources, and funding opportunities
Program Schedule & Commitment
Program Dates: March 4 – June 19
Immersive in-person component: March 4–12 (mandatory)
Weekly Sessions: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Time: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM ET
Weekly Commitment: 8–10 hours
Eligible Nationalities
Open to applicants of all nationalities
Eligible Locations (Where You Work)
Applicants must be located in and create 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
Age 18 or older
Small business owner, entrepreneur, or nonprofit leader
Organization operating for 1–5 years
Fewer than 10 employees
Demonstrated traction (customers, measurable impact, partial funding)
Commitment to full participation in the 16-week program
Actively serving underbanked or underserved communities
Application Procedure
Online Application (approximately 30 minutes)
Priority Deadline: January 12
Rolling review of applications until spots are filled
Interview: 20-minute Zoom for selected candidates
Final Decisions: February 9
Program Start Date: March 4
Impact of the Fellowship
Since 2021, the Truist Foundation Fellowship has:
Supported over 2,400 entrepreneurs
Created 433 jobs
Raised $11.5 million in capital
Strengthened small businesses and local economies nationwide
About Truist Foundation & Watson Institute
The Truist Foundation is an independent 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.
Apply Here
Truist Foundation Fellowship Application