Capital for Young Entrepreneurs from the Hitachi Foundation

Applications accepted through March 30th for the Yoshiyama Program
Mar 26, 2012 2:05 PM ET
Campaign: Partners in Impact

(3BL Media) March 26, 2012 - Applications are open for the Yoshiyama Young Entrepreneurs Program

Investors' Circle partners with The Hitachi Foundation to award five entrepreneurs focused on community development

The application process for 2012’s Yoshiyama Young Entrepreneurs Program is open, and The Hitachi Foundation is looking for new leaders that are making a difference in their communities.  Up to five young entrepreneurs intent on making a living and making a difference in their communities will receive $40,000, as well as tools and training to be successful.  Investors’ Circle is a proud partner of the program, facilitating a mentorship program for each year’s awardees.

Now in its third year, The Hitachi Foundation’s Yoshiyama Young Entrepreneur Program identifies and shines a spotlight on new leaders who are using the power of business and innovation to fight domestic poverty. In addition to $40,000 in funding over two years offered by The Hitachi Foundation, Yoshiyama Young Entrepreneurs will benefit from technical assistance in the form of a mentorship program organized Investors’ Circle. Investors’ Circle will match each awardee with an IC investor mentor and facilitate collaborative work on strategy, operations, and marketing.

Eligible entrepreneurs are using their businesses to lift low-income community members out of poverty. Applicants must have started a business that is now between one and five years old and the entrepreneur must have launched the business before reaching age 30. Businesses can be legally structured as for-profit or nonprofit, but they must operate on a revenue-generating model (and not rely primarily on grants or donations) and have been operating for at least the last 12 months.  The first round application deadline is March 30, 2012. 

To apply for the Yoshiyama Young Entrepreneurs award and learn more, please visit www.hitachifoundation.org.

The Hitachi Foundation was established as an independent nonprofit philanthropic organization by Hitachi, Ltd. in 1985. Governed by a Board of Directors composed of highly accomplished Americans, the Foundation seeks to discover and expand business practices that create tangible and enduring economic opportunities for low-wealth Americans, their families, and the communities in which they reside.