2024 Westerwelle Young Founders Program | Fully Funded

The Westerwelle Young Founders Program is a 6-month fellowship designed for exceptional young entrepreneurs from emerging markets. The program unites leaders worldwide with a shared goal of pursuing entrepreneurial excellence. In this article, you will gain a comprehensive overview of all the requirements and steps necessary for a successful application to the program

Westerwelle Young Founders Program Summary:

  • Host Country: Germany
  • Category: Training | Fellowships
  • Eligible Countries: All Developing Countries
  • Reward: Full Sponsorship
  • Deadline: February 11, 2024
  • Scholarship Alerts: To receive Scholarship Alerts on WhatsApp, Click HERE.

Westerwelle Young Founders Program Scholarship Details:

The Westerwelle Young Founders Program provides targeted support to scale the ventures of the founders and enhance their leadership abilities through the following program structure:

  • Kick-Off Event: A two-day digital kick-off event will be held at the beginning of March 2024.
  • Remote Programme: From March to August, the Young Founders will receive six months of support, including a personal mentor, monthly peer learning sessions, 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, founders will have the opportunity to pitch in front of investors, participate in workshops, join networking events, and gain insights into the German start-up scene.

Eligibility Requirements for Westerwelle Young Founders Program 2024:

  • To qualify for the Westerwelle Young Founders Program, you must meet the following criteria:
  • Be a citizen or resident of a developing or emerging country.
  • Have recently (within the last five years) started a for-profit company focused on developing or emerging markets.
  • Your company must have a scalable business model that has generated revenue or secured a first round of external funding.
  • You or your business should have disruptive qualities that can enhance the quality, impact, or inclusiveness of the industry.
  • Possess a good working knowledge of English.
  • Be available to attend the digital kick-off conference and commit to participating in program activities for the six-month duration.

Benefits of the 2024 Westerwelle Young Founders Program:

Participants in the program can expect:

  • A 6-month remote program featuring a personal mentor, monthly peer learning sessions, expert workshops, and networking opportunities with corporates and investors.
  • Exposure to the Berlin Startup Ecosystem through a fully funded 5-day conference in Berlin.

Required Documents for the Westerwelle Young Founders Program:

  • Chinese HSK Certificate.
  • Photocopy of Passport Photo Page.
  • Signed No Criminal Activity Certificate (in English or Chinese).
  • Foreigner Physical Examination Form (photocopy).
  • Candidates must be prepared to submit the following documents:
  • Application Form for Shaanxi Normal University International Student Scholarship (written in Chinese or English).
  • Signed highest diploma (photocopy).
  • A Study Plan or Research Proposal (written in Chinese or English, with a minimum of 800 words for master applicants and 1500 words for PhD applicants).
  • Two Recommendation Letters (written in Chinese or English).
  • Academic transcripts (written in Chinese or English).
  • Research results, such as published theses, award certificates, etc., to demonstrate academic achievements and research capabilities.

How to Apply for the Westerwelle Young Founders Program (Step by Step):

  • Complete the form provided in the first phase of the Westerwelle Young Founders Program application process. This will offer the Programme Team a general overview of your startup and profile. Additional information and documentation may be requested later.
  • The application process takes approximately 8 minutes. Ensure that your application is complete, as only complete applications will be reviewed.
  • The application deadline is Sunday, 11 February at 23:59 CET.
  • Interviews with shortlisted candidates will be conducted from 19 February to 8 March.
  • Notification of all applicants will be sent out on 11 March.
  • If you wish to learn more about the program, you can register to join the Info Call on 31 January, 14:00 – 15:00 CET by clicking [here] https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAoduivrTkiGte-vRbQljPhWq5oSdiWSKbH
  • For technical issues ONLY (i.e., if you cannot submit the form), please email gentry@westerwelle-foundation.com.

https://westerwelle-foundation.com/programs/young-founders-program/