The Truist Foundation Fellowship, powered by the Watson Institute, is now accepting applications for its upcoming cohort. This prestigious, fully funded venture and leadership development program is designed to support entrepreneurs, small business owners, and nonprofit founders based in Georgia, USA, who are committed to driving economic mobility, job creation, and community transformation.
At its core, the Truist Foundation Fellowship goes beyond traditional entrepreneurship programs. It is built for purpose-driven leaders who are not only focused on growing sustainable ventures, but also on creating long-term economic impact in both rural and urban communities, particularly within emerging and underserved markets across Georgia.
About the Truist Foundation Fellowship
The Truist Foundation Fellowship is a highly selective program delivered in partnership with the Watson Institute, a globally recognized organization known for developing entrepreneurs and social innovators who tackle complex challenges. Through an immersive and supportive learning environment, fellows receive the tools, mentorship, and capital access knowledge needed to strengthen their ventures and expand their reach.
This fellowship recognizes that strong local businesses and mission-driven organizations are essential to healthy economies. By investing in entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders, the program aims to accelerate inclusive growth and empower leaders who are solving real-world problems at the community level.
What Fellows Gain
Participants selected for the Truist Foundation Fellowship will benefit from a comprehensive package of training, mentorship, and strategic support, including:
Hands-On Venture & Leadership Training
Fellows receive practical, action-oriented training focused on entrepreneurship, leadership development, and venture growth. Sessions are designed to help participants refine their business models, improve operations, and strengthen decision-making skills.
Stronger Business Acumen & Financial Literacy
The program emphasizes financial sustainability, helping fellows deepen their understanding of budgeting, cash flow management, pricing, fundraising, and long-term financial planning. This ensures ventures are positioned for scalable and responsible growth.
Personalized Coaching & Mentorship
Each fellow gains access to experienced mentors, industry experts, and peer networks. Personalized guidance helps participants address specific challenges, identify growth opportunities, and develop strategies aligned with their mission and market.
Support to Scale Impact
Fellows leave the program with clearer growth strategies, stronger leadership capacity, and the confidence to expand their impact. Whether the goal is hiring more staff, entering new markets, or increasing service delivery, the fellowship equips participants to move forward strategically.
Community & Network Access
Participants become part of a powerful alumni network of entrepreneurs and changemakers, opening doors to collaboration, partnerships, and continued learning well beyond the fellowship period.
Who Should Apply?
The Truist Foundation Fellowship is ideal for entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders who are deeply committed to economic development and community impact in Georgia.
Ideal Candidates Include:
- Small business owners focused on job creation
- Nonprofit founders addressing social or economic challenges
- Entrepreneurs serving underserved or emerging markets
- Leaders working in rural or urban communities across Georgia
- Changemakers seeking to scale both financial and social impact
This fellowship is not just about launching ideas—it is about strengthening ventures that already demonstrate commitment, resilience, and community-centered leadership.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Truist Foundation Fellowship, applicants must generally meet the following criteria:
- Location: Must be based in the state of Georgia, USA
- Role: Be a founder, co-founder, or senior leader of a for-profit business or nonprofit organization
- Stage: Have an existing venture or organization with clear operations (early-stage to growth-stage)
- Impact Focus: Demonstrate a strong commitment to job creation, economic mobility, and community development
- Market Focus: Serve or plan to serve emerging, underserved, rural, or urban markets in Georgia
- Availability: Be able to fully participate in all fellowship activities, trainings, and sessions
Applicants from diverse backgrounds, industries, and lived experiences are strongly encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Applying for the Truist Foundation Fellowship is a straightforward process designed to identify leaders with both vision and execution capacity.
Step-by-Step Application Process:
- Visit the Official Application Page
Access the fellowship application through the Watson Institute - Complete the Online Application Form
Provide details about yourself, your venture or organization, and your leadership journey. - Describe Your Impact & Vision
Applicants will be asked to explain:- The problem their venture addresses
- The community or market they serve
- How their work contributes to job creation and economic development
- Their long-term vision for growth and impact
- Submit Supporting Information
This may include basic venture metrics, operational details, or short written responses outlining challenges and goals. - Application Review & Selection
Applications are reviewed on a rolling or competitive basis. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews or additional assessments. - Final Selection & Onboarding
Selected fellows will receive official notifications and onboarding details ahead of the program start.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: January 3, 2026
- Program Type: Fully funded (no participation fees)
Early application is encouraged, as the fellowship is highly competitive and places are limited.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The Truist Foundation Fellowship stands out because it invests in people, purpose, and place. By empowering entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders who are rooted in their communities, the program helps build stronger local economies and more inclusive growth pathways.
If you are a Georgia-based founder ready to sharpen your leadership skills, strengthen your venture, and expand your community impact, this fellowship offers a rare opportunity to grow with support, credibility, and purpose.