The Emerging Young Entrepreneurs (EYE) Program is a year-long program created to support Gen Z and millennial minority entrepreneurs between the ages of 19-35.
About the EYE Program
The EYE program is uniquely designed to provide the next generation of minority entrepreneur participants ages 19-35 with support to enhance their growing business. Business owners will receive guidance from corporate sponsors, MBEs, and additional stakeholders. Â EYE will utilize an interactive curriculum that includes development sessions, practical applications, corporate mentors, and best practices to implement in your business immediately. Participants are provided with the skills, tools, and strategies to start or grow their innovative businesses.
Key Objectives
This program examines proven best practices to address common entrepreneurial issues Gen Z and millennials face in the context of today’s business environment with the following objectives:
- Learn five key methods of operating a successful business.
- Develop strategies to anticipate organizational needs and execute innovative responses.
- Receive professional development and access to top business leaders and corporate executives.
- Understand supply chain processes and the benefits of developing those relationships.
- Obtain the industry’s gold standard business certification for minority companies.
Program Criteria
- Ages 19-35 (as of the application deadline).
- United States citizen.
- Must be at least 51% minority-owned, managed, and controlled.
- Must be a for-profit enterprise and physically located in the U. S. or its territories.
- Management and daily operations must be exercised by the minority ownership member(s).Â
- Ownership, in the case of a publicly owned business, means that at least 51% of the stock is owned by one or more minority group members.
Program Expectations
- Miss no more than 4 live development sessions.
- Apply for NMSDC MBE certification by June 1, 2024.
- Participation in the video pitch competition.
- Attend the NMSDC National Conference.
- Meet with your Mentor at least once per month.
- Complete all assessments and surveys.
Apply to the EYE Program Today
Applications for the 2024 cohort are now open.
The 2024 EYE cohort will run from April 1, 2024 – February 27, 2025.
