Overview

The BMO Fellowship is a 16-week virtual leadership program that includes a two-week immersive experience. Fellows will engage in weekly virtual workshops from March to June 2025 and receive ongoing entrepreneurial training. In addition, each fellow will have the opportunity to receive up to $6,000 in venture development stipends to support their sustainability-focused ventures.

This fellowship is perfect for those who are in the early stages of their ventures, particularly those in the problem-solution or product-market fit stages. It’s an excellent opportunity for BIPOC, women, or Indigenous entrepreneurs and leaders aiming to create scalable, sustainable impact in their communities.

Who Can Apply?

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old to be eligible for this fellowship program.
• Ideal candidates include entrepreneurs, small business owners, or nonprofit leaders with 1–5 years of experience in environmental and sustainability-focused initiatives.
• The BMO Fellowship is designed for BIPOC, women, or Indigenous entrepreneurs and community leaders dedicated to creating sustainable and scalable impact.
• Applicants should be leading a sustainability-focused social impact venture or community project in its early stages, demonstrating a proven track record of making a difference.
• The fellowship targets impact-driven entrepreneurs with established products, measurable traction, and revenue.
• Participants must commit fully to the 16-week program, which includes a two-week virtual immersive experience, and actively engage throughout the program.
• Eligible ventures should be in the Problem-Solution or Product-Market Fit stages, with engaged customers or beneficiaries and a record of impact and revenue generation.
• Active participation in the fellowship's community and engagement in workshops held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are required.
• While the program is open to applicants across North America, preference is given to individuals from Arizona, California, Colorado, and New Mexico.
• Fellows should also be prepared to take on challenges such as leading Basecamp events and other initiatives to advance both their ventures and the broader community.

Application Procedure

1. Application Submission: Complete the online application, which takes approximately 45 minutes to fill out. The priority deadline for submission is January 19, 2025. Applications will be reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis until all spots are filled.

2. Initial Review: The Admissions Committee carefully evaluates each application, focusing on entrepreneurs with strong leadership abilities and ventures that demonstrate innovation and scalability. Applications submitted after the priority deadline will be reviewed as needed.

3. Interview Stage: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a 20-minute one-on-one Zoom interview. This session will explore your motivations for joining the fellowship and provide deeper insights into your venture.

4. Final Committee Review: Top candidate profiles will be forwarded to the external Admissions Committee for their final assessment and selection.

5. Acceptance Notifications: Final decisions will be communicated to selected applicants by February 17, 2025.

6. Confirmation & Enrollment: Accepted fellows must confirm their commitment to the program to complete the enrollment process. After confirmation, fellows will receive an invitation to a "Meet the Cohort Webinar" ahead of the program’s start date. The fellowship officially begins on March 3, 2025.

What Financial Support is Available?

• Fully funded program, with a stipend of up to $6,000 for venture development.
• Additional $1,000 stipend for Basecamp.

Hear from Alumni

Relevant Laboratories is dedicated to simplifying and democratizing entry into the beauty market by assisting brands in developing innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable formulas while streamlining the product launch process. Specializing in working with small, Black, or woman-owned brands, the venture aims to catalyze economic and racial shifts within the beauty industry while promoting sustainability. Eliane studied Pharmaceutical Science with an emphasis on Cosmetic Science at the University of Cincinnati and graduated from Cornell’s Women’s Entrepreneurship Fellowship in 2023.

                - Eliane Treadwell, Relevant Laboratories Clean Beauty Illinois, US

EMPIRE CAR HIRE LLC is revolutionizing the transportation sector with its innovative car-sharing model, which not only reduces traffic congestion and excess vehicle production but also champions sustainability and social impact. By actively engaging with local communities through workshops and educational sessions on sustainable mobility, EMPIRE CAR HIRE LLC fosters inclusive access to car-sharing services, ensuring that underserved communities can benefit from shared transportation solutions. Moreover, with a fleet that includes electric and hybrid vehicles, EMPIRE CAR HIRE LLC significantly lowers carbon emissions and contributes to a more sustainable future. To date, the venture has raised $5,000 in capital to support its initiatives.

                  - Shozib Akhtar, EMPIRE CAR HIRE LLC Transportation Wisconsin, US

Other Details

• Program Duration: March 3 to June 26, 2025, spanning 16 weeks of intensive programming.

• Format: The fellowship features weekly virtual workshops complemented by localized gatherings and events where feasible. Workshops are scheduled on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (Mountain Time), requiring a time commitment of 6-8 hours per week.

• Virtual Immersive: The program kicks off with a 2-week virtual immersive starting March 3, 2025. This foundational phase demands a commitment of 10-15 hours per week, fostering a strong sense of community and setting the tone for a collaborative cohort experience.

• Venture Development Stipend: Eligible fellows may qualify for a venture development stipend of up to $6,000. This stipend is contingent on active participation, leadership in Basecamp events, and successful completion of workshop-related assignments. Specific eligibility criteria may vary based on the fellowship program.

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