Camelback Fellowship for Early-stage Entrepreneurs

The Camelback Fellowship is a 16-week accelerator program designed to support early-stage entrepreneurs committed to addressing systemic inequities, particularly in the education and technology sectors. Administered by Camelback Ventures, the Fellowship delivers a multifaceted blend of funding, mentorship, strategic support, and community engagement aimed at helping founders scale ventures that create meaningful social impact. Since its inception in 2015, the Camelback Fellowship has supported over 181 entrepreneurs who have collectively raised more than $50 million. The program has also contributed to the advancement of underrepresented founders, with 94% of Fellows identifying as Black, Indigenous, or people of color, and 63% identifying as women and/or non-binary. Applicants selected for the Fellowship receive $50,000 in capital. The disbursement structure depends on the organizational type: nonprofit and school ventures receive unrestricted grants, while for-profit or hybrid entities are funded through SAFE notes or comparable vehicles. Over the 16-week engagement, Fellows gain access to expert coaching, hands-on curriculum, and a supportive community of peers. The curriculum covers practical aspects such as stakeholder management, budget and project management, pitch readiness, and team development, all tailored for early-stage social ventures. The Camelback Fellowship is hybrid in format. It begins with an in-person kick-off, includes ongoing virtual programming, and ends with a virtual closing week. Participants also attend the annual Guardian Summit with travel and accommodations fully covered. This in-person convening allows Fellows to engage with funders, partners, and the wider Camelback community. Throughout the program, Fellows participate in workshops, networking events, and coaching sessions designed to refine their leadership approach and scale their venture sustainably. The Fellowship targets U.S.-based entrepreneurs aged 18 or older who serve under-resourced communities. Eligible applicants must hold a leadership position in their venture (Founder, Co-founder, CEO, or Executive Director), reside in the U.S. or a U.S. Territory, and be proficient in English. Ventures should be founder-led, not operated under umbrella organizations or franchises, and should have more than 50% of beneficiaries located in the United States. School-based ventures must have secured charter authorization before the Fellowship begins and ideally aim to open within a year of completion. The application process consists of two rounds. The first includes a written application with both short and long-form responses and video submissions, including a three-minute pitch. A small percentage of applicants are invited to a second-round 75-minute virtual interview with Camelback staff, alumni, and stakeholders. Feedback is available for applicants who do not advance. Up to 20 Fellows are selected per cycle. The program typically runs twice a year, in mid-winter and late summer, with the current round closing on March 2, 2026. Camelback provides ample resources throughout the application process, including an alignment quiz to help prospective applicants assess their fit. Interested individuals are encouraged to subscribe to updates via the interest form. While relocation is not required, applicants must commit approximately 10 hours per week for the duration of the Fellowship. The program emphasizes equitable access and localized impact, supporting ventures that center the lived experiences and needs of underrepresented communities.