2027 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship: Fully Funded U.S. Entrepreneurship Programme, Four-Week Business Placement and International Networking

Overview

The Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative Fellowship is an international exchange programme that aims to empower emerging entrepreneurs to strengthen their business leadership, expand professional networks, and develop their enterprises. Funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by the International Research & Exchanges Board, the programme uses a hybrid model combining virtual activities with an in-person exchange in the United States.

The initiative seeks to support roughly 250 young entrepreneurs from participating countries across Latin America and the Caribbean. Selected participants take part in virtual entrepreneurship training, leadership development, coaching, mentorship, and networking activities. The in-person portion includes an arrival orientation and market immersion in Houston, Texas, a four-week professional placement with a U.S. business partner, and a closing forum in Washington, D.C. Upon completion, fellows gain access to the YLAI Alumni community.

Who can apply

Applicants must be citizens and current residents of a participating country in Latin America and the Caribbean. Candidates are required to be between 25 and 35 years old by January 1, 2027, and must demonstrate a minimum of two years of experience successfully growing their own for-profit business or venture. Additional criteria include meeting English-language proficiency requirements and being eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 visa.

What you get

The fellowship covers all programme costs for selected participants with no application fee required. Financial provisions and support include J-1 visa backing, round-trip international travel, required domestic U.S. travel, housing, a meal stipend, relevant training, a four-week professional placement, and a limited accident and sickness benefit plan. Fellows also gain ongoing access to the YLAI Alumni community, which offers further professional development opportunities, mentorship, networking activities, and alumni grants.

Key dates

Applications close on November 8, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.