The BMO Fellowship is a fully-funded program for entrepreneurs and small business owners driving economic opportunity in their communities. Fellows increase access to formal financial services, support small businesses, and expand home ownership opportunities for families locked out of wealth-building pathways. The program provides training, expert-led workshops, and a powerful network to help fellows scale their impact.
The BMO Fellowship is powered by Watson Institute, a leadership development organization that equips changemakers with the skills, insights, and networks needed to drive sustainable impact. Watson Institute has supported over 190 million in funding raised by alumni, created over 2,300 paid jobs, and impacted over 11 million people worldwide through its programs.
Benefits of BMO Fellowship 2026
- Business & Leadership Workshops: 16-weeks of entrepreneurship training led by expert practitioners
- Financial Tools & Resources: Access practical financial tools, frameworks, and workshops
- Basecamps: Design and lead a comprehensive 1-day entrepreneurship training program for 20 earlier-stage small business owners in your community, with a community development stipend
- Pitch Training & Virtual Summit: Develop and refine a professional pitch and present at the virtual Summit to community partners, mentors, BMO team members, and potential investors
- Mentorship and connections to BMO’s small business ecosystem and Watson Institute’s network
- Long-term Alumni support with ongoing access to resources, learning opportunities, and peer support
Eligibility Criteria for the BMO Fellowship 2026
- You are a small business owner or community leader deeply committed to creating sustainable, scalable impact
- Your work aligns with one of the following: bringing formal financial services to underbanked communities, supporting small businesses, or expanding home ownership opportunities
- You are located in and creating impact within BMO’s priority markets: Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, and Denver
- Your business or organization has been operating for 1-5 years with fewer than 10 employees
- You have engaged customers, measurable results, and have secured some funding through grants, investments, donations, or revenue
- Adults 18 or older
- You must be able to commit to the full 16-week program, including the mandatory virtual Immersive and weekly workshops held Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Mountain Time
How to Apply for BMO Fellowship
- Submit Your Application: Complete the online application in approximately 30 minutes. Submit by the priority deadline of July 12, 2026, for early consideration. Applications will continue to be reviewed on a rolling basis until all spots are filled.
- Application Review: Our Admissions Committee evaluates applications to identify innovative entrepreneurs with scalable ventures and strong potential for impact. Early applicants receive priority consideration.
- Interview: Selected candidates will be invited to a 20-minute Zoom interview to share their entrepreneurial journey, discuss their venture’s vision for growth, and explore how the Fellowship aligns with their goals.
- Final Selection & Enrollment: Final decisions will be announced by July 22, 2026. Accepted applicants must confirm their enrollment to secure their spot. The program begins on August 25, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the BMO Fellowship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
Can I apply if my country or state is not listed under the priority geographies?
Unfortunately, we are not able to consider applications outside the geographies listed above. However, we run numerous programs a year and are likely to have an opportunity for you in the future. We encourage you to check back regularly and reach out to Watson Institute’s team members for more information.
What is the community development stipend?
The community development stipend supports Fellows in organizing and facilitating Basecamps, a required outcome of the program. Basecamps are community events that foster collaboration and advance initiatives that accelerate collective growth in the communities the Fellows are impacting. This stipend provides resources to engage your community, build connections, and drive meaningful impact.
What is the application review timeline?
We understand the substantial interest in the program and strive to provide prompt responses. Decisions will be communicated by July 22, 2026. We appreciate your patience throughout this process.
How do you define eligibility for BMO Fellowship 2026?
Eligibility for the 2026 BMO Fellowship is based on an entrepreneur or small business owner’s ability to bring formal financial services to underbanked communities, support small businesses, and/or expand home ownership opportunities. You must be located in BMO’s priority markets: Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, or Denver.
How does this program open doors to funding?
Watson Institute connects Fellows to a robust network of potential investors, grantmakers, and partners dedicated to supporting ventures with impact. Through mentorship, pitch opportunities, and relationship-building events, Fellows gain access to introductions and resources that can accelerate their growth and sustainability.
What is the long-term impact on Fellows and Alumni?
After completing the program, Fellows join a vibrant community of changemakers with ongoing access to resources, learning opportunities, and peer support. Alumni often report increased revenue, expanded networks, stronger leadership skills, and greater community impact. Watson Institute alumni have raised over $190 million, created over 2,300 paid jobs, and impacted over 11 million people.
What if I’m not admitted?
If you are not admitted this cycle, we encourage you to stay engaged with Watson Institute through our newsletters, events, and future programs. Many Fellows apply multiple times and continue to develop their ventures with the resources and support we offer. We value your commitment and look forward to your future involvement.
I have another question and need assistance.
For all other questions, please reach out to Maria Pamela Pelaez at [email protected].
What is the weekly time commitment for the BMO Fellowship 2026?
The weekly time commitment is 8–10 hours per week, including workshops, community building events, optional mentorship sessions, Basecamp planning and implementation, and Summit preparations. Workshops are held each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM MT.
When does the BMO Fellowship 2026 program start and end?
The program runs from August 25 to December 15, 2026. It includes a mandatory virtual Immersive from August 25 to September 3, 2026, and a Virtual Summit on December 15, 2026, where selected Fellows present their venture pitches.
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