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the new & improved fellowship program

The FINNOVATION Fellowship Program supports impact-driven entrepreneurs as they launch and lead sustainable and innovative businesses. New in 2025, the program is changing to support more social entrepreneurs, especially those in the earliest stages of exploring a business idea.

Applications will open April 30, 2025! Keep reading to see if you’re the “unlikely entrepreneur” we’re looking for.

how is the program changing?

The program is changing to support more entrepreneurs and better tailor the curriculum and resources for Fellows.

For its first six years, the FINNOVATION Fellowship was an intensive nine-month initiative for a select cohort of nine social business leaders in Minnesota. For the 2025-26 cohort, the Fellowship program will be split into two distinct phases: the Discovery Module and the Fellows Module.

Everyone who completes both modules will officially be a FINNOVATION Fellow and a part of our Alumni Network that gets you access to even more programs and opportunities.

The best part about this change is that it allows us to expand the number of participants for the first three months of the program. Your chances are better than ever to be accepted and we hope you apply!

Accepting up to 18 participants
3-month commitment
No stipend

Up to 9 participants
6-month commitment
$50,000+ stipend

Fellows who complete the program
Periodic meetings
No stipend

Sep - Dec 2025 // Accepting up to 18 participants
In-person on Saturdays // No stipend

Curriculum focuses on developing a deeper understanding of your market opportunity and value proposition. In December, all participants are eligible to be considered for the Fellows Module.

Jan - Jun 2026 // Up to 9 participants
20-30 hours per week // $50,000+ stipend

Curriculum focuses on the operational and strategic elements of your business, resulting in a strong business plan and pitch as well as deeper work in leadership development.

Evergreen // Fellows who complete the program
Periodic meetings // No stipend

After completing both modules, Fellows are inducted into our Alumni Network which includes access to facilitated monthly roundtables with peers and other exclusive opportunities.

got questions? we’ve got answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Upcoming Info Sessions

what can you expect from the program?

structured learning

Our program's structured environment, accountability measures, skill development opportunities, and mentorship will help you dedicate the space to fully explore every aspect of your business. Many past Fellows shared that their experience exceeded their initial expectations in terms of leadership and technical expertise.

positive outcomes

Regardless of where you are in your business journey, you will walk away with valuable experience and insights that will serve you for years to come. Past Fellows appreciated how the market research training and lean startup methodology can led to real-time adjustments in their vision, understanding of their customers, and revenue strategies.

community + support

Our cohort-based structure fosters enduring connections among entrepreneurs, creating a supportive and collaborative environment. These relationships often extend beyond the Fellowship experience, offering a lasting network of support and collaboration that benefits participants long after the program ends.

ARE YOU RIGHT FOR THIS PROGRAM?

We’re looking for passionate people who want to make a positive impact in their community, state, and world through their business venture.

No matter where you are in your startup journey, the Fellowship program will help take you and your social impact venture to the next level!

interested? come to an info session.

Get the full scoop on the Fellowship program by attending on our our virtual (Zoom) info sessions. Can’t attend? Don’t worry, we will also be recording the sessions. Be sure to get on our email list!