The United States Embassy in Venezuela announced the opening of applications for the 2027 edition of the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI), a professional exchange program aimed at entrepreneurs from Latin America and the Caribbean that seeks to strengthen their businesses and expand their connections with the US business sector.
Through a publication on social networks, the diplomatic representation invited young Venezuelans who meet the requirements to submit their applications before November 8, through the official portal ylai.state.gov/apply.
The initiative, funded by the North American Department of State, combines online training with in-person professional experience in that country. Participants have the opportunity to exchange knowledge with entrepreneurs, develop their leadership skills and establish business ties that contribute to the growth of their ventures.
The program, according to information released by the embassy, is aimed at Venezuelan citizens residing in the country who are between 25 and 35 years old as of January 1, 2027. They must also demonstrate at least two years of experience leading their own for-profit company and have a professional level of English that allows them to read, write and communicate orally.
YLAI seeks to promote the development of business initiatives and help its participants convert their ideas into sustainable projects, with the capacity to generate economic opportunities in their communities.
YLAI Program offers business training and international connections
The call also highlights the possibility of joining a network of participants that brings together more than 2,100 business leaders from countries on the American continent. According to figures shared by the organization, 94% of its alumni developed skills useful for their professional growth, more than three in five established and maintained new commercial relations with American companies and 85% expanded their international professional networks.
The initiative is managed by the IREX organization in coordination with the North American Department of State. According to the official information of the program, applicants must also meet the immigration conditions to qualify for a J-1 exchange visa and not be citizens or permanent residents of the United States.
Those interested can consult the requirements and complete the application on the official YLAI website before the call closes.
