Black Girl Ventures: Emerging Leaders Fellowship

The Emerging Leaders Fellowship Program is a 3-month leadership development program (with 2 cohorts in 2025) created specifically to expand the capacity of early-stage entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders, empowering them to strengthen their local ecosystem of under-resourced women-identifying entrepreneurs.

Our program amplifies women leaders and creates an “each one, teach one” model for growing underrepresented founders' long-term entrepreneurial knowledge and sustainability. We cultivate local leaders who, in turn, nurture their communities to promote equal opportunities for underrepresented women entrepreneurs to thrive.

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FAQs

If I apply for the program, am I automatically admitted?
Enrollment is limited. Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Information submitted will not be released for other purposes and cannot be returned to the applicant.  

How many cohorts will there be?
In 2025, there will be 2 cohorts. Cohort 1 will be February-April. Cohort 2 will be July-September.

How many founders will be selected for the program?
7-10 founders selected for each cohort across 3 cities (Austin, Chicago, Los Angeles).

Do I have to be a resident of a specific city to apply to the fellowship?
Currently, this opportunity is only available to residents of the following cities: Austin, Chicago, Los Angeles - but we’re growing quickly and hope to offer opportunities in more cities in the new future!

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