The Inclusive Entrepreneur Fellowship Program is a unique, no-cost development opportunity for small business owners located in Massachusetts, Maine, or Rhode Island. It is supported by a five-year grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration and hosted by Northeastern University. The program aims to provide hands-on support and resources to business owners looking to grow their ventures while contributing positively to their communities. The program runs for 20 weeks, primarily online, and includes a combination of virtual workshops, one-on-one mentorship, and access to entrepreneurial resources at Northeastern University.

The goal of the fellowship is to help entrepreneurs tackle key business challenges and strategically plan for growth. Participants will engage with a structured curriculum that includes milestone meetings, such as an orientation, mid-point check-in, and a final debrief. The program is designed to foster a strong community among fellows while also providing individualized support through mentoring networks.

The program offers a holistic experience focused on enhancing business operations, increasing profitability, and scaling impact. It involves guided creation of a business growth plan over the course of the 20-week timeline. Additionally, while most activities take place online, some in-person components are hosted at Northeastern University’s Boston campus to foster deeper engagement and networking.

Eligible applicants must be small business owners who are founders, owners, or CEOs of businesses that have been operating for at least three years in Massachusetts, Maine, or Rhode Island. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age by the application due date, be proficient in English, and be legal residents of the United States or its territories. The program is open to for-profit businesses from any industry, provided they are formed and operating under U.S. law.

Applications for the next cohort are due by January 10, 2025. The program runs from March through July 2025. There are no monetary awards distributed; rather, the value is in the structured learning and support offered to participating businesses. The program is competitive, with only 10 fellows selected per cohort. Applications should demonstrate a strong desire to grow the business and contribute positively to the local community.

The program does not outline specific evaluation criteria or detailed application questions in the available materials. Interested applicants are encouraged to reach out to the program contact for further information or clarification about the application process and program expectations.