Ford Philanthropy Mobility Fellowship | Fully Funded Virtual Program for Entrepreneurs

Ford Philanthropy Mobility Fellowship: Fully Funded Virtual Program for Entrepreneurs in Mobility & Transportation

Are you an entrepreneur or community leader dedicated to enhancing mobility and transportation? The Ford Philanthropy Mobility Fellowship, in collaboration with the Watson Institute, offers a fully funded, 16-week intensive program designed to help innovators scale their ventures and create lasting social impact in the field of mobility and accessibility.

About the Fellowship

This prestigious program supports entrepreneurs who are developing solutions to improve transportation access and mobility services. Through mentorship, training, and a collaborative network, Fellows will gain the tools needed to expand their ventures and strengthen their leadership skills. The fellowship, fully funded by Ford Philanthropy, allows participants to focus on their growth without financial constraints.

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is ideal for:

Entrepreneurs & Community Leaders leading ventures that enhance transportation access, mobile services, or mobility-based solutions.
Venture Stage: Applicants should have a proven product with traction and measurable social impact but still require support to scale.
Commitment: The fellowship requires a full 16-week commitment, including a 2-week virtual immersive experience.
Eligible Countries: Entrepreneurs and community leaders from the following nations are encouraged to apply:
- Brazil
- Germany
- Mexico
- Philippines
- Spain
- South Africa
- Thailand
- United Kingdom (including Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland)
- Vietnam

Program Details

Duration: 16 weeks
Start Date: February 24, 2025
End Date: June 17, 2025
Session Schedule: Virtual workshops every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM (MT)
Immersive Experience: A 2-week virtual foundational experience, requiring 10-15 hours per week.

Key Fellowship Features

1. Basecamp Community Workshops

Each Fellow will host a 1-3 day Impact Workshop in their community, fostering connections, gathering feedback, and promoting local collaboration.

2. Venture Development Stipend

Fellows can receive up to $6,000 in stipends, based on their performance and impact during the program.

3. Pitch Training & Summit

Fellows will refine their pitching skills and showcase their ventures to local leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs at the Fellowship Summit.

Application Process

The application process is open on a rolling basis. Follow these steps to apply:

Submit Application: Complete the online application (approximately 45 minutes).
Priority Deadline: January 12, 2025 (Applications reviewed on a rolling basis thereafter).
First Round Review: The admissions team evaluates applications based on leadership qualities and venture scalability.
Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a 20-minute Zoom interview.
Final Selection: The most promising candidates will be chosen by the Admissions Committee.
Notification of Acceptance: Accepted applicants will be informed by February 10, 2025.
Confirm & Enroll: Accepted Fellows must confirm participation and attend a Meet the Cohort webinar before the program launch on February 27, 2025.

Fellowship Benefits

Venture Acceleration & Leadership Development

Weekly expert-led workshops covering:

Mobility venture foundations
Metrics & data analysis
Product-market fit
Fundraising strategies
Team leadership & management
Pitching to investors

Community & Networking Opportunities

Fellows will:

Collaborate with fellow entrepreneurs, small business owners, and nonprofit leaders.
Connect with Watson Institute Alumni.
Participate in self-organized Fellow events.

Mentorship & Industry Guidance

Fellows receive mentorship from leading industry experts, including:

Preceptor Advisory Boards
Impact Speaker Series
Mentor Bonanza Sessions

Basecamp: Giving Back to Your Community

Each Fellow will organize a Basecamp event, a 1-3 day community workshop, designed to accelerate social impact. Fellows receive:

A stipend to support the event.
A playbook and team assistance to guide implementation.
An opportunity to engage local stakeholders and receive feedback.

Why Apply?

The Ford Philanthropy Mobility Fellowship provides an unparalleled opportunity to develop your mobility-focused venture, gain world-class mentorship, and connect with a global network of change-makers. Whether you are working on transportation accessibility, mobile services, or sustainable mobility innovations, this fellowship can help accelerate your impact.

Apply now and be part of the next generation of mobility pioneers!

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Scholarship at Uniplus Global to apply