SOA and Waitt Institute Launch Fellowship in Tonga for 2025

The Blue Prosperity Entrepreneur Fellowship is a year-long fellowship program that supports entrepreneurs and sustainable businesses in Tonga working to advance ocean health, community livelihoods, and sustainable economic growth. 

Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) invites Tonga-based entrepreneurs and sustainable businesses to apply to the Blue Prosperity Entrepreneur Fellowship—a year-long fellowship to support emerging leaders advancing local ocean and community health through grants, entrepreneurship training, and mentorship opportunities.

This fellowship will run from January to December 2025 in partnership with Waitt Institute, Tonga Ministry of Fisheries, and Vava’u Environmental Protection Association (VEPA).

This fellowship is a valuable opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs and businesses in Tonga to gain access to an extensive international network of business leaders while strengthening the local sustainable blue economy and supporting initiatives for a healthy, sustainable future. 

Selected participants will receive:

• A grant of up to $8,000 USD

• Participation in a minimum of 4 virtual training workshops 

• Mentorship opportunities facilitated by SOA’s global network

To qualify, projects must demonstrate a positive impact on the blue economy in Tonga with measurable results and plans for sustaining the project's impact long-term. Initiatives are not required to generate profit or be affiliated with an organization in order to apply.

Applications will be accepted from October 1, 2024 until November 2, 2024. 

If you have any other questions, please refer to the fellowship FAQ. 

About Sustainable Ocean Alliance:

Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) is a global nonprofit organization created by youth—for youth—dedicated to activating young people, developing and implementing innovative solutions, and mobilizing an ocean workforce to restore the health of the ocean in our lifetime. SOA was founded in 2014 by Daniela V. Fernandez during her first year at Georgetown University to bring youth voices and solutions to the forefront of the conversation. 

Today, SOA has grown into the world’s largest network of young ocean leaders, innovators, and policymakers. To date, we have accelerated 450+ solutions (and counting) to the greatest threats facing our ocean. These solutions include 62 for-profit startups and 396 community-led nonprofit projects around the world.

About Waitt Institute:

The Waitt Institute creates and implements sustainable ocean plans in partnership with committed governments, local stakeholders, and communities. Waitt's partnerships engage communities and stakeholders, facilitate the policymaking process, and build capacity for long-term success. They provide expertise, funding, and tools to develop and implement effective ocean plans, supporting countries to achieve global sustainability goals and helping local communities secure their way of life.