Watson Institute has announced the launch of the Wells Fargo Small Business Fellowship, a new initiative sponsored by Wells Fargo that will support more than 400 small business owners across Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Chicago. The fellowship is designed to strengthen local economies by equipping entrepreneurs with expert-led training, leadership development, access to capital connections, and long-term alumni support to help their businesses grow and scale.

The Wells Fargo Small Business Fellowship focuses on entrepreneurs who are already creating impact in their communities and are positioned for growth. According to Watson Institute, participating fellows are projected to collectively raise more than $5.2 million in capital, create over 125 jobs, and positively impact more than 125,000 community members through the small businesses they are scaling.

“These entrepreneurs across Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Chicago are not only small business owners—they are community leaders,” said Eric Glustrom, Founder and CEO of Watson Institute. “By equipping them with the training, connections, and support they need to scale, we’re helping them create lasting change for themselves and the people around them”.

In Baltimore, the Greater Baltimore Urban League Entrepreneurship Center is supporting outreach efforts by helping share information about the fellowship with local entrepreneurs who may be a strong fit. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to high-quality business development opportunities for small business owners across the city.

The fellowship is open to entrepreneurs located in Baltimore, Chicago, or Washington, D.C. who have generated approximately $100,000 in revenue or have managed operations with a similar budget. The priority application deadline is January 8, 2026, after which applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all spots are filled.

Watson Institute partners with leading corporations and financial institutions, including Wells Fargo, to deliver fellowship programs that provide technical assistance, mentorship, financial literacy training, national networks, and long-term alumni engagement. Alumni of Watson Institute programs have collectively raised more than $190 million in capital, created 2,300+ jobs, and positively impacted 11 million people worldwide through the businesses they lead.

Entrepreneurs interested in the Wells Fargo Small Business Fellowship can apply directly online at:
https://watson.is/wells-fargo-small-business-fellowship-program-application/

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