Empowering a sustainable future: the impact of the 2024 BMO Fellowship powered by Watson

Venture funding for a new eco-friendly hair care product and reducing waste through sustainable fashion are among the many examples of the transformative work being done by our Fellows 

At BMO, our commitment to building a sustainable future and breaking down barriers to inclusion is more than just a statement—it’s part of our Purpose to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life. This year, through our partnership with the Watson Institute, we are proud to celebrate the profound success of the inaugural 2024 BMO Fellowship, a program designed to support and empower environmental sustainability entrepreneurs and community leaders across our Midwest footprint. 

Exceeding expectations: The Fellowship’s impact by the numbers 

Launched in March 2024, the BMO Fellowship powered by Watson was created with the ambitious goal of supporting more than 480 sustainability-focused entrepreneurs across Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota and Wisconsin over two years. Remarkably, in its first year alone, the Fellowship surpassed initial projections, providing comprehensive support to more than 700 promising, diverse leaders. 

Key highlights* from the Fellowship include: 

• 702 individuals supported, including 18 Fellows and 684 basecamp participants. 

• Fellows rated their overall experience as 9.3/10. 

• 9/10 Fellows would recommend the program to their peers. 

• 91 per cent of Fellows reported an increased sense of community integration because of the Fellowship. 

This success underscores the effectiveness of the Fellowship’s approach to providing the necessary tools, training and networks to drive impactful change in communities across the Midwest. 

Empowering change: What the Fellowship offers 

The 2024 BMO Fellowship goes beyond traditional support by offering: 

• Expert-guided training: Fellows participated in ‘Impact Series’ workshops designed to build a roadmap for growth and scalability led by sustainability experts, including Bernie Burgener, the Executive Director of Greenhouse Accelerator. 

• Mentorship network: Access to a robust mentorship network helped Fellows enhance their leadership abilities and expand the impact of their ventures. 

• Financial support: Select Fellows received a venture development stipend to advance their sustainability-focused initiatives. 

• Community outreach: Fellows were equipped to lead basecamps in their communities, conducting impact workshops and training sessions that furthered their ventures’ reach. 
  
• Pitch opportunities: Fellows had the chance to present their ideas to local leaders, potential investors and BMO stakeholders, receiving valuable feedback to refine their approaches. 

Stories of success: Fellowship highlights 

The 2024 BMO Fellowship is not just about numbers—it’s about real people making real change. Here are a few standout stories: 

• Olivia Sanchez, Founder of Sudz Cauldron: Olivia’s eco-friendly haircare brand made significant strides during the Fellowship. She expanded her team and received a $6,000 Venture Development Stipend, a testament to her dedication and impact. 

• KiKi Haghighi, Founder of FR8: KiKi’s basecamp, “Accessible Sustainable Fashion,” educated 300 participants in Minneapolis on sustainable fashion practices, inspiring a community to rethink their clothing choices and reduce waste. KiKi was also selected to be a BMO Changemaker, attending the One Young World Summit in Montreal to take her ideas and her network to the next level! 

• Jannice Newson, Founder of Lillian Augusta: Lillian Augusta creates plant-based, allergen-tested, plastic-free and carcinogen-free braiding hair and aims to promote equity in hair care and contribute to a cleaner, more inclusive industry. Jannice was also selected to be a BMO Changemaker, attending the One Young World Summit.  

These stories are just a snapshot of the transformative work being done by our Fellows, each of whom is contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future. 

Looking ahead: The future of the BMO Fellowships 

As we look ahead to the 2025 Fellowship, BMO remains committed to empowering the next generation of sustainability leaders. Applications for the 2025 cohort will open in October 2024, and we are excited to see the continued growth and impact of this program. 

* 2024 BMO Fellowship Final Impact Report, August 2024