YLAI 2026-2027 Outbound Exchange Grant: Funding U.S. Business Leaders to Strengthen Partnerships Across Latin America and the Caribbean

Applications are now officially open for the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) 2026-2027 Outbound Exchange Program, a unique international exchange and grant opportunity designed to help U.S.-based partners continue and expand collaborations established during the 2026 YLAI Fellowship.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by IREX, the YLAI Outbound Exchange provides selected U.S. participants with the opportunity to travel to Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) for a two-week collaborative project with a 2026 YLAI Alum. The program is designed to strengthen cross-border business partnerships, promote entrepreneurship, build professional networks, and foster economic growth throughout the Western Hemisphere.

For organizations and professionals who previously hosted or collaborated with a 2026 YLAI Fellow, this exchange offers an exciting opportunity to deepen relationships, expand market opportunities, and create lasting impact through international collaboration.

What is the YLAI Outbound Exchange Program?

The YLAI Outbound Exchange Program is a grant-funded initiative that builds upon the relationships and professional partnerships formed during the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative Fellowship.

The program supports U.S.-based participants as they travel to the home countries of 2026 YLAI Alumni throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. During the exchange, participants work together on substantive two-week projects that advance shared business objectives, entrepreneurial development, professional growth, and community impact.

The initiative recognizes that some of the most impactful partnerships emerge after the conclusion of fellowship programs. By supporting continued collaboration, the Outbound Exchange strengthens international business relationships while creating opportunities for innovation, learning, and sustainable economic development.

About the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI)

The Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative is a flagship leadership and entrepreneurship program that empowers emerging entrepreneurs from Latin America and the Caribbean.

Through professional placements, leadership training, networking opportunities, and mentorship, YLAI helps entrepreneurs strengthen their ventures while building meaningful partnerships with organizations and businesses in the United States.

The Outbound Exchange extends these relationships beyond the fellowship period, enabling both U.S. participants and YLAI Alumni to continue working together on initiatives that create measurable impact.

Purpose of the Outbound Exchange

The YLAI Outbound Exchange seeks to strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems and international partnerships across the Western Hemisphere.

Key objectives include:

• Building upon successful partnerships formed during the YLAI Fellowship.
• Supporting long-term collaboration between U.S. organizations and YLAI Alumni.
• Expanding business and professional networks.
• Increasing market access and opportunities.
• Encouraging knowledge sharing and capacity building.
• Supporting entrepreneurship and innovation.
• Promoting economic prosperity in local communities.
• Strengthening mutual understanding between the United States and Latin America and the Caribbean.

The program is designed to create benefits for both participants while generating positive outcomes for broader entrepreneurial communities.

Benefits of the YLAI Outbound Exchange Grant

Selected participants will gain access to numerous professional and organizational benefits, including:

International Collaboration Opportunities

Participants can continue developing relationships established during the fellowship and transform initial collaborations into long-term partnerships.

Expanded Business Networks

The exchange enables participants to connect with entrepreneurs, business leaders, community organizations, and stakeholders throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.

Professional Development

The two-week project experience provides opportunities to learn from different business environments, cultural contexts, and entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Market Expansion Opportunities

Organizations may identify new partnerships, customers, suppliers, investment opportunities, or business collaborations through expanded regional engagement.

Community Impact

Projects are designed to support local entrepreneurial communities while contributing to economic development and innovation.

Cross-Cultural Learning

Participants gain firsthand exposure to diverse perspectives, business practices, and approaches to entrepreneurship.

Who Should Apply?

The program is intended for U.S.-based organizations and professionals that collaborated with a 2026 YLAI Fellow during the fellowship program.

Ideal applicants may include:

• Small business owners.
• Startup founders.
• Business executives.
• Nonprofit leaders.
• Social entrepreneurs.
• Community organizations.
• Economic development professionals.
• Innovation and entrepreneurship support organizations.
• Fellowship host organizations.
• Business mentors and advisors.

Applicants should have an existing relationship with a 2026 YLAI Alum and a clear vision for how the partnership can be strengthened through the exchange.

Eligibility Requirements

Successful applicants must demonstrate:

Existing Collaboration

Applicants should provide evidence of productive collaboration with a 2026 YLAI Alum during the fellowship period.

Partnership Development

The proposed exchange project should clearly explain how the grant will strengthen and expand the existing partnership.

Community Engagement

Participants must travel to the YLAI Alum’s country and engage directly with local entrepreneurial communities.

Economic Impact

Projects should contribute to economic prosperity, entrepreneurship development, or business growth within the region.

Professional Advancement

The proposed activities should support the professional goals of both the U.S. participant and the YLAI Alum.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to carefully review all official eligibility requirements before submitting their applications.

What Makes a Competitive Application?

Strong applications will typically demonstrate:

• A proven history of collaboration.
• Clearly defined project goals.
• Measurable outcomes and impact.
• Long-term sustainability.
• Benefits for both partners.
• Community engagement strategies.
• Entrepreneurship-focused activities.
• Regional economic impact.
• Capacity-building opportunities.
• Strong implementation plans.

Applicants should clearly communicate how their project will create meaningful outcomes that extend beyond the two-week exchange period.

Required Application Materials

Applicants should download and review the following documents before applying:

1. Application Checklist
2. Application Instructions
3. Draft Budget Template
4. Draft Work Plan
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Document
6. Terms and Conditions Agreement

Carefully preparing these materials in advance can help applicants submit stronger and more competitive proposals.

Important Dates

Application Opening Date

June 8, 2026

Optional Information Session

June 16, 2026
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM EDT

Applicants can join an optional Zoom Q&A session to learn more about the grant opportunity, application process, and eligibility requirements.

Application Deadline

Monday, July 6, 2026
11:59 PM EDT

Late applications may not be considered, so applicants are encouraged to submit their materials well before the deadline.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should:

Step 1

Review all application guidance documents and eligibility requirements.

Step 2

Discuss the opportunity with their 2026 YLAI Alum partner and develop a collaborative project concept.

Step 3

Prepare all required application materials, including work plans and budget documents.

Step 4

Submit the completed application through the official application portal before the deadline.

Click here for more and to apply

Why This Opportunity Matters

The YLAI Outbound Exchange represents more than a travel grant. It is an investment in long-term international collaboration, entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic development throughout the Americas.

By supporting meaningful partnerships between U.S. organizations and YLAI Alumni, the program helps create opportunities that extend beyond borders, strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems, and foster sustainable growth across the Western Hemisphere.

Organizations that have already built successful relationships through the YLAI Fellowship should strongly consider applying to continue their collaboration and maximize the impact of their partnership.

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