THE Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI), a flagship programmeme of the United States Department of State designed for emerging entrepreneurs and business leaders aged 25 to 35, has officially opened applications for its 2025 cohort.

In a recent virtual panel discussion about YLAI, Kelly McCray, Public Affairs Officer at the US Embassy in Georgetown, emphasised the value of this fully funded, four-week exchange programme. “Through hands-on experience, online coursework, and face-to-face training, YLAI fellows have the opportunity to significantly enhance their leadership and entrepreneurial skills,” McCray stated.

The YLAI programme not only provides individual growth, but also strengthens business relationships among entrepreneurs from the United States, the Caribbean, Canada, and Latin America. “It is part of the US’s continued commitment to the prosperity of Guyana and the region. To date, 21 young entrepreneurs from Guyana have participated in the programme,” McCray noted.

A key feature of the YLAI Fellowship is the pairing of participants with host organisations to tackle specific business challenges and establish mentoring relationships. The in-person segment of the 2025 YLAI programme will run from May to June. Due to the programme’s intensive nature, applicants are encouraged to fully commit to their professional development during this period and participate in all fellowship activities.

The panel discussion included insights from three YLAI alumni: Jermaine Slater (YLAI 2022), owner of The Learning Hub; Nakaida Belle-Lindie (YLAI 2024), founder of HKBL Construction Inc.; and Maleka Russel (YLAI 2020), owner of Green Valley Organics. They highlighted the fellowship’s unique environment, where participants build genuine connections with like-minded individuals and share strategies for entrepreneurial success.

Funded by the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the six-week YLAI Fellowship annually brings 280 promising leaders from across the Americas to the United States. Participants engage in skills-building workshops and collaborative learning with US counterparts.

Interested entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply at www.ylai.state.gov/apply. Applicants must be Guyanese citizens, aged between 25 and 35, and have at least two years of experience successfully running their own businesses or social ventures.