Seven entrepreneurs will be selected for a fully funded professional exchange in the United States.
WILLEMSTAD - The U.S. Consulate General Curaçao is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2027 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship Program. This year, the program is expanding from four to seven fellowships and, for the first time, welcomes applications from Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba, in addition to Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten.
Selected entrepreneurs will join 26 YLAI alumni from the Dutch Caribbean and gain access to an international network of business leaders and entrepreneurs.
Launched in 2015, YLAI is the U.S. Department of State's flagship entrepreneurship exchange program. It connects emerging business leaders from across the Western Hemisphere with U.S. businesses to strengthen entrepreneurial skills, expand commercial networks, increase trade, and create opportunities for business growth.
What Does the YLAI Fellowship Offer?
YLAI is a fully funded, five- to six-week professional exchange in the United States, including a four-week placement with a U.S. business or organization. The Fellowship combines practical business experience, professional training, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Participants will:
· Prepare for success: Complete virtual business training and develop a Business Leadership Action Plan before traveling to the United States.
· Gain hands-on experience: Spend four weeks working alongside a U.S. business partner to exchange ideas, strengthen business practices, and explore new markets.
· Build valuable connections: Participate in networking events with U.S. entrepreneurs, business leaders, and government representatives, including a Closing Forum in Washington, D.C.
· Continue growing: Return home with new skills, professional contacts, and access to ongoing mentorship, alumni activities, and opportunities for future collaboration with U.S. partners.
YLAI alumni may also participate in an Outbound Exchange, welcoming their U.S. business partners to their home countries to explore new commercial opportunities and strengthen business relationships.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
· Be between 25 and 35 years old as of January 1, 2027.
· Reside in Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, or Sint Maarten.
· Have operated a business for at least two years and demonstrate business growth.
· Be proficient in English.
· Qualify for a J-1 visa.
· Be available to travel to the United States in June and July 2027.
There is no application fee. The U.S. Government covers program costs for selected Fellows, including J-1 visa support, round-trip travel to the United States, program-related domestic travel, a housing and meal stipend, and a limited accident and sickness benefit plan.
Apply by November 8, 2026
Are you ready to grow your business, explore new opportunities, and build connections with entrepreneurs in the United States?
Apply at https://ylai.state.gov/apply by November 8, 2026, at 11:59 p.m Eastern Time (ET)
For more information about eligibility and selection criteria, visit https://ylai.state.gov/.
For application questions, contact apply.ylaifellowship@irex.org.
The YLAI Fellowship Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, funded by the U.S. Government, and supported in its implementation by IREX.
In this picture the 2026 YLAI Alumni. From left to right: Nathania Engelhardt from Curacao leading Debat.ed, Roxana Rodriguez from Aruba leading NotionFlows, Najhilah van Dinter from Curacao leading Landish, and Ishshah Carty from Sint Maarten leading N'dulgence.