SheaMoisture and Fifteen Percent Pledge have opened applications for the 2025 Dartmouth Fellowship, marking the program’s 10th year of supporting women entrepreneurs.
According to a news release, the fellowship has assisted over 100 entrepreneurs since its launch in 2015, offering business education, mentorship, and resources to help them grow and scale their companies.
To mark the fellowship’s 10th anniversary, SheaMoisture is partnering with the nonprofit organization Fifteen Percent Pledge to recruit 20 women entrepreneurs from both organizations’ networks, with a focus on businesses that are making an impact in Black communities.
Obinna Keke, chief brand officer at SheaMoisture, said the partnership will help the program reach more entrepreneurs across the U.S. and provide additional support for small businesses.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and play a vital role in driving innovation and fostering community ecosystems. By equipping entrepreneurs with essential tools, knowledge, and connections, we contribute to building a prosperous future for all,” Keke said in the release.
Aurora James, founder of Fifteen Percent Pledge, called the partnership a step forward in expanding opportunities for emerging businesses.
“By aligning our efforts with SheaMoisture and Dartmouth, we can provide deserving founders with access to educational resources and a network of peers that will sustain their growth for years to come,” James said.
The Dartmouth Fellowship gives participants the chance to evaluate their business performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and receive business education at Dartmouth College’s Tuck School of Business, according to the release. Each year, 20 fellows attend the school’s Building A Successful Business program in Hanover, New Hampshire, where they can learn about topics such as financing, marketing strategy, and cash flow management. Afterward, participants join Luminary, a global platform for women entrepreneurs that supports career development and business growth.
Per the release, the program has covered more than $400,000 in tuition and fees, with participating businesses reporting an average 14.3% revenue growth and a 6% increase in profit margins. By the end of 2025, the fellowship will have provided education and support to more than 100 entrepreneurs.
Applications for the 2025 Dartmouth Fellowship cohort are now open. Ten entrepreneurs chosen in the applicant pool will join another 10 businesses selected by Fifteen Percent Pledge, per the press release. The program runs from Dec. 7–12, 2025, and is open to women entrepreneurs in the U.S. and Canada. Applications close Oct. 10, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

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