YTILI

YTILI brings young European entrepreneurs pursuing commercial and social ventures to the U.S. for an intensive program of exchange, dialogue, and guidance from hosts and mentors across the U.S.  A cohort of young European entrepreneurs from 45 countries will participate in a robust fellowship program in 2024. This is an opportunity to grow an entrepreneurial network and become a transatlantic leader. The application opens on January 30, 2024.

The Fellowship starts in July 2024, with virtual sessions in July and August, followed by travel to the United States in September 2024. The fellowship includes: 

• A virtual orientation meeting in July and August 2024
• SIX WEEK fellowship placement in the United States, September 16 to October 24, 2024 

Criteria

MOST IMPORTANT CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Business or Social Entrepreneur between the ages of 25 and 35. 
• Be a citizen and resident of Switzerland. 
• Able to participate in the virtual YTILI in July and August and the U.S.-based experience from September 16 to October 24, 2024. 
• Eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 visa. 
• Proficient in reading, writing and speaking English at the time of application. 
• Are committed to returning to his or her home country after completion of the program. 
• Have not participated in an exchange visitor program sponsored or funded by the U.S. Department of State in the past five years. 
• Are not residing or working outside of Europe at the time of application. 
• Not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States or have applied for U.S. permanent residency in the past three years. 
• Not a U.S. government employee.  

Furthermore, you should 

• Have a demonstrated track record of at least two years of experience successfully managing an entrepreneurial venture in their home countries. 
• Demonstrated commitment to develop, enhance, or lead an existing venture. During the application process, successful candidates must provide a well-articulated action plan they will work to refine and for which they will seek support during their fellowships. 
• Demonstrated viability of their current ventures through indicators such as: investment to date, current or planned number of employees, profits, social impact analysis, and an overall track record of achievement in the field.  
• Preference will be given to candidates who have not previously participated in U.S. Government programs or spent significant amounts of time in the United States. 
• Self-directed and able to work effectively in a cross-cultural setting.  Committed to principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
• Demonstrated proficiency in both written and oral English.  Participants must have “working-level knowledge of English” which will be verified by WorldChicago.