The Westerwelle Young Founders Programme (YFP) is a six-month fellowship for 25 leaders uplifting emerging and developing markets towards a sustainable future. We offer targeted support to scale our founders' ventures and develop their leadership abilities, with the following programme plan:
- Kick-Off Event: A two-day digital kick-off event will take place in the beginning of March 2024.
- Remote Programme: From March – August, the Young Founders will receive six months of support including a personal mentor, monthly peer learning sessions, monthly expert workshops and networking opportunities with corporates and investors.
- Berlin Conference: The ten best performing Young Founders will be invited to a five-day conference in Berlin in June 2025. During this conference, the founders will have the opportunity to pitch in front of investors, participate in workshops, join networking events and get insights into the German start-up scene.
About Westerwelle Foundation
The Westerwelle Foundation for International Understanding is a nonprofit organization based in Berlin, Germany. Our mission is to create equal opportunities for all by uplifting emerging markets through empowered entrepreneurship.
Westerwelle Foundation Young Founders Programme
| Application Deadline | 11 Feb 2024 |
| Country to study | Germany |
| Type | College School |
| Sponsor | Westerwelle Foundation |
| Gender | Men and Women |
Aim and Benefits of Westerwelle Foundation Young Founders Programme
- Mentoring: A unique experience with a successful entrepreneur or investor, who becomes your sparring partner.
- Peer Learning: Exchanges with other successful young founders of the cohort to share knowledge and support each other.
- Expert Sessions: In-depth sessions on relevant topics with high-class experts
- International Community: Access to new business opportunities by being connected to programme alumni, partners and other members of the Westerwelle Foundation network
- Berlin Conference: Exposure to the Berlin Startup Ecosystem through a fully funded 5-day conference together with the other founders for the top 10 participants.
Requirements for Westerwelle Foundation Young Founders Programme Qualification
We are looking for entrepreneurs with high potential for impact and growth to become leaders of a sustainable future, with the following criteria:
- You are a citizen or resident of a developing or emerging country.
- You have recently (in the last five years) started a for-profit company focused on developing or emerging markets.
- Your company possesses a scalable business model that has generated revenue or secured a first round of external funding.
- You or your business possesses disruptive qualities that can increase the quality, impact or inclusiveness of the industry.
- You possess a good working knowledge of English.
- You are available to attend the digital kick-off conference and can make time to participate in programme activities for the six months.
Interview date, Process and Venue for Westerwelle Foundation Young Founders Programme
Timeline:
- Application deadline: Sunday, 11 February at 23:59 CET
- Interviews with shortlisted candidates: 19 February - 8 March
- Notification of all applicants: 11 March
Application Deadline
February 11, 2024How to Apply
For more details,visit Westerwelle Foundation website
