2026 Entrepreneur Scholarship Program now open

Center for Project Innovation

12 scholarships available — applications close April 3, 2026

Running a business means running projects. Whether you're managing client deliverables, coordinating a product launch, or keeping a small team aligned across competing priorities, project management is already part of what you do every day.

The Center for Project Innovation is now offering 12 full certification scholarships to US-based entrepreneurs who want to formalize those skills with an internationally recognized credential. Each scholarship covers the complete training program and assessment fee at one of four certification levels.

CPI has awarded over 100,000 credentials across more than 50 countries. This scholarship program is designed to bring that same recognition to entrepreneurs in the United States.

What the scholarship covers

Each scholarship includes full access to CPI's self-paced online training program (OPEN) and a complete waiver of the certification assessment fee. Upon successful completion, recipients earn the right to use post-nominal letters after their name — CPO, CPP, CPM, or CPD depending on the level awarded.

Certification levels

The program offers four levels, each suited to different stages of experience.

		30+ hours of project management study; no prior experience required
		30+ hours of project management study; 3+ years contributing to projects; assessor interview
		30+ hours of project management study; 3+ years leading project teams; assessor interview
		15+ hours of relevant professional education in the last 12 months; 3+ years leading project managers; assessor interview

Not sure which level suits you? CPO is open to everyone with no experience requirement and is the most accessible starting point. If you have project experience, you may be eligible for a higher level and will be retrospectively awarded CPO upon certification.

How it works

Apply through the form below with your details, including a link to your website and LinkedIn profile. If selected, you'll receive access to OPEN, CPI's online training program, to complete the required study hours. The training is self-paced and can be completed at your own pace.

Alternatively, let us know in your application if you have already met the study hours requirement, and we can fast-track your certification.

For CPO, certification occurs instantly upon completion of training and submission of your application. For CPP, CPM, and CPD, the process includes a one-on-one interview with an assessor where you'll critically reflect on your project experience.

Once certified, as a condition of the scholarship, you are required to add your credential and mark to your website and LinkedIn profile and maintain it for a minimum of 90 days.

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must be based in the United States, own and maintain a personal or professional website (portfolio sites, consulting pages, freelancer sites, and personal blogs all qualify), and have an active LinkedIn profile.

For CPO, no prior project management experience is required. For CPP, CPM, and CPD, you'll need at least three years of relevant experience as outlined above.

Key dates

Applications close: April 3, 2026
Training, assessment, and credential display complete: May 14, 2026
Minimum credential display period: 90 days

Apply now

Only 12 scholarship places are available, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early applications that grab our attention are encouraged!