Ticos entrepreneurs can now apply
for a US support program

The application process for the Young Leaders of the Americas Professional Fellows Program, known as YLAI, is now open until Feb. 25.

The U.S. portion of the YLAI Professional Fellows Program will occur between Oct. 11 to Nov. 9, 2021. Applicants must ensure they will be available to travel to the United States during these dates.

YLAI empowers entrepreneurs to strengthen their capacity to launch and advance their entrepreneurial ideas and effectively contribute to social and economic development in their communities.

According to YLAI Entrepreneurship Institute, since the initiative’s launch in 2015, there have been 763 YLAI Professional Fellows from Latin America and the Caribbean. They have expanded their leadership and entrepreneurial experience through fellowships at businesses and organizations across the United States.

Through the institute and individual fellowships, the program has accelerated its commercial and social ventures’ success by developing specific action plans to carry out upon return to their home countries. “YLAI Fellows built networks, linkages, and lasting partnerships to attract investments and support for their entrepreneurial ventures,” the institute said in its statement.


Program components have included:

- Four week-long fellowships in cities across the United States. YLAI Professional Fellows gain valuable professional development skills and experience at U.S. entrepreneurial organizations from each fellow’s business sector.

- Online and in-person coursework, developed by IREX and Arizona State University, combines technical entrepreneurship training and leadership development.

- Orientation in Tempe, Arizona and the YLAI Closing Forum in Washington, D.C., as well as networking events with businesses, entrepreneurial social leaders, and U.S. government representatives.

- After successful completion of the U.S. Fellowship and YLAI Entrepreneurship Institute, YLAI Professional Fellows continue their collaboration with U.S. partners and have access to ongoing professional development opportunities, mentorships, networking, and alumni activities.

There is no fee to apply to become a YLAI Fellow. The U.S. government will cover all program costs, such as:

- J-1 visa support, round-trip travel from the participant's home city to the United States and domestic U.S. travel.

- YLAI Entrepreneurial Leadership Curriculum coursework and mentoring.

- Orientation in Tempe, Arizona and YLAI Closing Forum in Washington, D.C.

- Four-week professional placement with a host organization.

- A limited accident and sickness benefit plan.

- Housing and meal stipend during the program.

The YLAI Professional Fellows Program is open to young entrepreneurs who meet the following criteria:

- They are between the ages of 25 and 35 at the fellowship start date.

- They are a resident and citizen of Costa Rica.

- They are eligible to receive a J-1 visa.

- They have a demonstrated track record of successfully growing their own business or social venture for at least two years.

- They are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States.

- They are not U.S. government employees.

- They are proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English.

The YLAI Professional Fellows Program is an open, merit-based competition. Additional information can be reached at the YLAI Professional Fellows Program website.


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Do you know of any qualifying Tico entrepreneur who may be interested in applying for this program?  We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com

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