Applications are now open for the Youth Impact Bootcamp LATAM 2026, an exciting international entrepreneurship programme designed to empower young impact entrepreneurs across Latin America. Implemented under the EU-LAC Social Accelerator Project, the bootcamp provides practical training, international exposure, peer networking, expert coaching, and investment readiness support for startups addressing social and environmental challenges.
The programme is implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) in partnership with a consortium comprising:
- CAINCO
- Caribbean Export Development Agency
- Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CACB)
- Tecnalia
- Tecnológico de Monterrey
The programme supports young entrepreneurs developing innovative businesses that contribute to the green, digital, and inclusive transition in Latin America, in alignment with the European Union’s Global Gateway Agenda.
Delivered entirely in Spanish, the Youth Impact Bootcamp LATAM offers founders an opportunity to strengthen their businesses, develop practical entrepreneurial skills, expand professional networks, and prepare for international growth opportunities.
About the Youth Impact Bootcamp LATAM
The Youth Impact Bootcamp LATAM is a comprehensive accelerator programme created specifically for entrepreneurs who are already building businesses and need practical tools rather than classroom-based theory.
Unlike traditional entrepreneurship courses, the programme combines:
- Live expert-led masterclasses
- Self-paced digital learning
- Practical business challenges
- Peer-to-peer learning
- Networking opportunities
- Personalized coaching
- International exposure
The bootcamp is community-driven and designed to produce measurable progress in participants’ businesses throughout the programme.
Programme Objectives
The programme seeks to:
- Strengthen impact-driven startups across Latin America
- Support businesses contributing to green, digital, and inclusive economies
- Prepare entrepreneurs for investment and international expansion
- Build stronger entrepreneurial ecosystems
- Promote innovation aligned with the European Union Global Gateway priorities
- Connect founders with international partners and investors
Programme Structure
The Youth Impact Bootcamp LATAM consists of two comprehensive phases.
Phase One: Bootcamp Phase
Programme Period:
24 August 2026 – 16 December 2026
This first phase combines practical entrepreneurship education with continuous collaboration and business development.
Participants will take part in:
- Live masterclasses
- Impact Circles
- Coffee Roulettes
- Self-paced online learning
- Practical assignments
- Business development exercises
- Peer collaboration sessions
At the end of the Bootcamp Phase, participants will compete in an internal pitch competition.
Following this competition, the Top 8 entrepreneurs will be selected to advance to the next stage.
Phase Two: High Performance Phase
Programme Period:
January – April 2027
The High Performance Phase provides deeper support for the selected entrepreneurs through:
- Individual coaching
- Personalized mentoring
- International visibility
- Investor exposure
- Business acceleration
- Opportunities to pitch before:
- European Union delegations
- Programme partners
- Investors
- Business stakeholders
What Participants Will Learn
The curriculum covers essential entrepreneurial competencies required to build sustainable impact businesses.
Business Foundations
Participants will strengthen:
- Business strategy
- Growth planning
- Sustainable business models
- Operational development
Marketing
Founders will learn:
- Marketing strategy
- Customer engagement
- Brand positioning
- Market expansion
Business Model Canvas & Design Thinking
Sessions focus on:
- Business model development
- Innovation
- Customer-centred product design
- Problem-solving methodologies
Artificial Intelligence Tools
Participants will explore:
- AI applications for startups
- Productivity tools
- Digital transformation
- Business automation
ESG and Responsible Business
Experts will introduce:
- Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles
- Responsible business practices
- Sustainable entrepreneurship
These sessions are delivered in collaboration with:
- EY
Legal Frameworks for ESG
Participants will receive legal guidance on:
- ESG compliance
- Responsible business governance
- International legal considerations
These sessions are delivered with:
- Sidley
Standards and Compliance
Training includes:
- International business standards
- Market readiness
- Quality frameworks
Pitch Training
Entrepreneurs will develop:
- Investor pitching skills
- Presentation techniques
- Storytelling
- Business communication
Vibe Coding and No-Code Tools
Founders will gain practical exposure to:
- No-code development
- Digital product creation
- Technology tools for entrepreneurs
Additional Digital Courses
In addition to live sessions, participants complete two self-paced online courses.
Investment Readiness
This course helps entrepreneurs:
- Prepare for fundraising
- Improve investor communication
- Understand financing opportunities
Social Impact
Participants learn how to:
- Measure social impact
- Evaluate environmental outcomes
- Communicate impact effectively
- Build stronger impact strategies
Community-Based Learning Activities
One of the programme’s distinguishing features is its collaborative learning environment.
Impact Circles
Participants join regional peer-learning groups where they:
- Share business progress
- Discuss challenges
- Receive feedback
- Apply lessons learned
Coffee Roulettes
These one-on-one networking sessions allow entrepreneurs to:
- Meet fellow founders
- Exchange experiences
- Explore collaborations
- Build professional relationships
Practical Challenges
Throughout the programme, founders complete practical business exercises that reinforce learning through implementation.
Benefits of the Programme
Selected entrepreneurs will receive numerous benefits.
1. Expert-Led Entrepreneurship Training
Access to practical business education delivered by international experts.
2. Personalized Coaching
Top-performing entrepreneurs receive tailored business coaching.
3. International Exposure
Selected participants gain opportunities to present their businesses before:
- European Union representatives
- Programme partners
- Investors
- International stakeholders
4. Investment Readiness Support
Participants strengthen their ability to attract future funding.
5. Networking Opportunities
Connect with:
- Fellow entrepreneurs
- Industry experts
- Investors
- International organizations
6. Community Membership
Every participant joins the Ye! Community, a global entrepreneurial network that provides:
- Networking opportunities
- Future business opportunities
- Continued engagement after the programme
- Peer support
7. Practical Business Growth
The programme focuses on helping entrepreneurs achieve measurable improvements in:
- Business performance
- Market readiness
- Operational systems
- Growth strategies
Priority Themes
The programme prioritizes startups working in sectors aligned with the European Union Global Gateway investment priorities in Latin America, including:
- Renewable energy
- Green hydrogen
- Sustainable agriculture
- Forestry
- Biodiversity
- Green economy
- Digital innovation
- Inclusive development
Founders building solutions connected to flagship projects in their respective countries are especially encouraged to apply.
Who Should Apply?
The Youth Impact Bootcamp LATAM is ideal for:
- Social entrepreneurs
- Environmental innovators
- Startup founders
- Green business owners
- Technology entrepreneurs
- Young business leaders
- Early-stage startups seeking growth
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy all of the following requirements:
- At least one co-founder must be younger than 35 years old.
- The company must be legally registered, active, and operate as a for-profit business.
- The business must already exist; the programme is not intended for business ideas alone.
- The startup must generate measurable social and/or environmental impact.
- The company must be based in:
- Argentina
- Colombia
- El Salvador
- Mexico
- Applicants must be available to dedicate approximately two hours per week to programme activities.
Application Requirements
Before beginning the application, applicants should prepare:
- Personal identification document
- Company registration certificate (where applicable)
- Basic company information
- Details about:
- Business model
- Business activities
- Social or environmental impact
Applicants should note:
- The application takes approximately 20–30 minutes to complete.
- The application must be completed in one sitting.
- Applicants may download a sample list of questions before beginning the application.
How to Apply
Applicants should:
- Join the Ye! Community.
- Complete the Online Application Form.
- Submit all requested information before the application deadline.
Programme Timeline
- Applications Open: Currently Open
- Application Deadline: 19 July 2026
- Programme Starts: 24 August 2026
- Bootcamp Phase: 24 August – 16 December 2026
- Pitch Competition: December 2026
- High Performance Phase: January – April 2027
Contact Information
For programme or application questions, applicants may contact:
Email: youthandtrade@intracen.org
Why You Should Apply
The Youth Impact Bootcamp LATAM is much more than a startup training programme.
It provides founders with:
- International mentorship
- Practical entrepreneurial education
- Peer collaboration
- Business acceleration
- Investment readiness preparation
- Exposure to investors
- Access to the European Union innovation ecosystem
- Membership in a global entrepreneurial network
Whether you are scaling a climate startup, building a digital solution, or creating a socially impactful enterprise, this programme offers valuable resources to help accelerate your business journey.
Visit HERE to learn more about the Youth Impact Bootcamp LATAM 2026.
Conclusion
The Youth Impact Bootcamp LATAM 2026 represents one of the most comprehensive entrepreneurship acceleration opportunities currently available for young founders in Latin America. By combining expert-led training, practical business development, investment readiness, peer collaboration, personalized coaching, and international exposure, the programme equips entrepreneurs with the knowledge, networks, and confidence needed to grow sustainable businesses that address pressing social and environmental challenges.
If you are a young entrepreneur in Argentina, Colombia, El Salvador, or Mexico leading an innovative business with measurable impact, this programme provides a unique opportunity to strengthen your venture, connect with global partners, and position your startup for future investment and international expansion. Interested founders should prepare their application materials and submit their applications before 19 July 2026 to be considered for this highly competitive programme.
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