US to support 250 young entrepreneurs from Latin America and the Caribbean

The Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Professional Fellows Program, sponsored by the US Department of State, is looking for 250 young entrepreneurs from Latin America and the Caribbean to bring to the United States for business and social entrepreneurship training in October and November 2016. YLAI Professional Fellows will become part of the larger YLAI Network, an online space to obtain resources and make regional connections necessary to foster positive change in their local communities.{{more}}

The US program includes the following components:

1. Opening Program in Texas and Closing Summit in Washington, DC featuring workshops, breakout sessions, and keynote speakers; 2. Four-week individualized fellowship with counterpart companies or organizations in cities around the US. The participants will engage in skills-building workshops, develop or refine their own strategic plan, and participate in day-to-day operations at US organizations; 3. Professional development activities including entrepreneurship training and interaction with experts; and 4. Ongoing support before, during, and after the YLAI Fellowship through networking, mentorship, and investment opportunities.

The program is open to entrepreneurs who meet the following criteria:

1. Are between the ages of 21 and 35;

2. Are a resident of Antigua and Barbuda; Barbados; Dominica; Grenada; St Kitts and Nevis; St Lucia; or St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Entrepreneurs from the following countries are eligible to apply: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Curaçao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Maarten, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

3. Are eligible to receive a US J-1 visa;

4. Have at least two years of entrepreneurial/leadership experience, preferably with a start-up business or social venture;

5. Are proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English.

The https://ylai.state.gov/ website includes information about how to apply for the YLAI fellowship and how to sign up for the YLAI Network. Submit your application by Friday, May 20.