Yoshiyama Young Entrepreneurs Program

Posted by on February 27, 2012

Hitachi Foundation Invites Entries for Yoshiyama Young Entrepreneurs Program
Deadline: March 30, 2012

The Hitachi Foundation’s Yoshiyama Young Entrepreneurs Program seeks to identify and support inspiring young entrepreneurs whose work helps alleviate domestic poverty.

The competitive program is open to young entrepreneurs who are operating viable businesses in the United States with the dual purpose of making a difference and making a living.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have been no older than 29 when their business began generating revenue. The business itself must be one to five years old and must have been generating revenue for at least the past twelve months. Applicants must have established their business with the expressed dual purpose of operating a successful business and creating opportunities for low-wealth individuals in the U.S. to enhance their economic security. The business may be structured as a for-profit or nonprofit. If the business is a nonprofit, it must depend primarily on an earned-income revenue model and not depend solely on donations and grants.

Strategies that help enhance economic security might include but are not limited to management practices, including ownership structure, workforce advancement practices, supply-chain protocols, and location decisions; developing a product or service that can alter individual and community circumstances such as improving access to education and training protocols; creating greater access to healthy lifestyle and healthcare products and services; and improving access to asset accumulation such as housing, transportation, and marketable credentials for low-wealth individuals.

Up to five winners will be selected. In addition to a $40,000 grant over two years, the program provides awardees with resources to help take their work and communities to the next level, including leadership development training, business mentoring, technical assistance, and access to a network of peers and advisers.

For complete program guidelines and application procedures, an FAQ, and information on previous winners, visit the Hitachi Foundation Web site.

http://www.hitachifoundation.org/our-work/yoshiyama-young-entrepreneurs-program