Yoshiyama Program for Young Entrepreneurs

In Search Of:
Young Entrepreneurs Improving American Communities

Are you or do you know the next Yoshiyama Young Entrepreneur? Did you establish a financially viable business with the intention of offering low-wealth individuals in America a leg up? Have you been in business for 1-5 years? Were you between the ages of 18 and 29 when you launched your business? If so, you may be eligible for the Yoshiyama Young Entrepreneurs Program.

The Yoshiyama Program will identify up to six entrepreneurs ages 18-29 who formed financially viable businesses that create jobs, supply goods or services, or use internal management practices enabling low-wealth individuals the opportunity to achieve greater economic security. The Foundation will provide these entrepreneurs with a cash prize up to $50,000 over two years, access to technical resources, and a peer learning community. In exchange, the Foundation intends to capture the stories of these inspiring young business leaders who serve as examples of how to run a financially sustainable business that also gives a boost to people who are outside the economic mainstream. Supporting the development of these leaders and entrepreneurs, learning from them, and sharing their stories will animate and inform an emerging national and global conversation about the role of business in improving lives and strengthening communities.

This program is for entrepreneurs who are operating businesses that are 1-5 years old and have been generating revenue for a minimum of the last 12 months. For the full list of eligibility criteria please click here. This is not a business plan competition. General examples of businesses and approaches that could be considered for this Program can be found in the Program FAQs. To view more details about the Yoshiyama Program, click here.

Apply here.
Deadline: March 22, 2010