Watson Institute announces The Halloran Fellowship

The Halloran Fellowship, offered by Watson Institute in collaboration with Halloran Philanthropies, is an entrepreneurial training initiative targeted at early-stage business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs within the Bradford, Pennsylvania region. The program seeks to empower local change-makers by equipping them with entrepreneurial skills, access to resources, and hands-on experience necessary to launch and expand business ventures that benefit the local community. Halloran Philanthropies, a Pennsylvania-based family foundation, funds this fully covered program to inspire and promote sustainable social interventions and human wellbeing. Structured to emphasize both personal development and community impact, the Fellowship runs from September to December 2025. It begins with an in-person kickoff event on September 6, 2025, and includes a series of online workshops, collaborative Basecamp events, and culminates in a community Summit on December 11, 2025. Weekly commitments span six to eight hours, with sessions scheduled on Thursdays and Fridays from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM Eastern Time. Fellows will participate in interactive virtual workshops, develop business pitches, engage in group mentorship, and host local events. Eligible applicants must be 18 years or older, based in or around Bradford, Pennsylvania, or currently enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. Applicants should either have a nascent business idea or be in the early stages of developing a business in the Bradford area. The program particularly supports ventures addressing local challenges and contributing to the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem. The application process consists of a brief online form, taking approximately 30 minutes to complete. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with a priority deadline set for August 11, 2025. Selected applicants will proceed to a 20-minute Zoom interview and, if chosen, must confirm enrollment to secure their spot in the Fellowship. Throughout the program, Fellows receive substantial support, including a community development stipend to implement a Basecamp—an interactive, community-focused event. They also benefit from expert mentorship, access to practical business development tools, and extensive networking opportunities. The curriculum is segmented into four thematic blocks: social mission, stakeholder engagement, business operations, and pitch development. Contact for further assistance or questions about the program is available through the Watson Institute, headquartered at 4845 Pearl E. Circle, Suite 101, Boulder, Colorado, 80301.