SheaMoisture, in partnership with Fifteen Percent Pledge (15PP), has opened applications for the 2025 Dartmouth Fellowship. 

SheaMoisture has partnered with Fifteen Percent Pledge to co-recruit 20 women entrepreneurs across their respective networks to elevate emerging small businesses, including those that are driving impact in Black communities.

The collaborative business education program, facilitated with Dartmouth College’s Tuck School of Business, has equipped women entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and networks needed to grow and scale their companies since 2015. 

This year celebrates the program’s tenth anniversary and supporting more than 100 entrepreneurs.

Obinna Keke, Chief Brand Officer at SheaMoisture, said, 

“In today’s challenging economic climate, supporting small businesses is more important than ever. With this context, for the 10th anniversary of the Dartmouth Fellowship, we have strengthened the impact of the program by partnering with industry trailblazer Aurora James and Fifteen Percent Pledge, to combine resources, expertise, and networks to expand our reach and support of entrepreneurs.” 

Applications for the 2025 Fellowship cohort open September 18, 2025, and close October 10, 2025.

Ten entrepreneurs selected from the open applications will join ten additional businesses hand-selected by Fifteen Percent Pledge, as well as other entrepreneurial leaders, to participate in Dartmouth’s Building A Successful Business program. 

SheaMoisture invites women entrepreneurs in the U.S. and Canada to apply for this transformational opportunity to grow and scale their businesses. 

Keke added, 

“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 prosperous future for all.”

Fifteen Percent Pledge aims to achieve economic equity by increasing access, visibility, and opportunities for entrepreneurs. 

SheaMoisture recognizes a partnership with the organization, founded in 2020 by Aurora James, as an impactful opportunity to advance mutual objectives. 

Through this partnership, both organizations seek to drive community awareness, leverage key thought leadership, and amplify the Fellowship’s impact for greater business prosperity in the U.S.

Fellowship criteria can be found here.

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