The Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative is seeking a partner organization(s) to serve as US Network Builder to serve as a partner in strengthening entrepreneurial engagement among YLAI partners and to heighten visibility of the YLAI Fellowship across U.S. cities during the FY24 YLAI Fellowship.

Purpose

The Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) is the U.S. Department of State’s flagship entrepreneurship program for emerging business leaders and entrepreneurs from Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada. YLAI is a competitive fellowship program structured as an international exchange funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and implemented by IREX, a non-profit based in Washington D.C.

IREX is seeking applications for the US Network Builder role in the 2026 YLAI Fellowship, a competitive opportunity for organizations or consortiums with strong entrepreneurial networks. This role will strengthen connections among YLAI partners and participants, promote program activities, and expand entrepreneurial engagement through events and partnerships. Preparation for the Fellowship will begin in September 2025. Fellowship kickoff and virtual program components start in November 2025, followed by the in-person fellowship from April 20 – May 27, 2026.

Ideal candidates will have a strong regional and/or national network across varied business industries. By collaborating with the YLAI Team at IREX and its partners, the US Network Builder will support capacity building and integration across entrepreneurship ecosystems. Through strategic networking and visibility efforts, the US Network Builder will enhance engagement and benefits for the 1,750+ YLAI Alumni and 60,000+ network members, as well as the U.S., Latin American and Canadian entrepreneurs and partners supported by the U.S. Department of State.

Eligibility requirements

We welcome applications from a wide range of organizations with international, business and/or entrepreneurship program and event management experience and that demonstrate a strong entrepreneurial or business networks across the United States. Centers for citizen diplomacy, innovation centers, university departments, businesses or professional organizations are encouraged to apply.

Deadline

Issue Date: June 23rd, 2025
Proposal Due Date: July 23rd, 2025, at 11:59 PM EDT
Anticipated Award Date: August 22nd, 2025
Award Ceiling: $65,000 

How to submit a concept note

Download the YLAI FY24 US Network Builder Request for Applications document for more information on US Network Builder roles and responsibilities, program timeline, application submission requirements (with links to application materials), application evaluation, and other subaward-related details.

If you are interested in furnishing this service, please send an email with your application materials attached to Derrick Lewis at dlewis@irex.org. Applications must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on the extended closing date indicated above with the subject line “YLAI Fellowship US Network Builder Application”.

Questions?

Questions should be addressed to Derrick Lewis with the following subject line YLAI US Network Builder. Contact Derrick Lewis at dlewis@irex.org. Questions will be accepted until July 9, 2025, and responses will be shared with all interested applicants by July 14, 2025.