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New entrepreneurs who wish to take part in the business exchange programme should apply via the on-line registration system. You will be guided through the process of application, payment and testing at that point. A one time application fee of $123/ R860 will be required at the time of application in order to make sure all applicants are serious and committed. Part of the application process is a business personality test. The cost for this is included in the application fee. Once you have completed the process, you will receive the results of this test free of charge. Your application will be filed in an online database, and after the date when applications are closed, will be reviewed by a panel of judges. There will be a semi-finalst round where personal interviews will be conducted, then finalists will be chosen.

Step-by-step guide

Main steps to follow to participate in the Young Entrepreneurs programme:

• Register via the online form and submit your payment and complete the personality test;
• If selected for the semi-finalist round, prepare a business presentation and present it to a board of judges at the personal interview;
• If you are then selected to be a final candidate, you will be sent to Cape Town where you will meet other candidates and attend a day business seminars;
• Start with your six week work study abroad in America;
• Upon your return, complete a report detailing your stay and its affect on you as a business person as well as how your business is going so far;

You can participate in the programme as a new entrepreneur as long as your business activities are in their early stages.
This includes:
• "Would-be" entrepreneurs, who are firmly planning to start a business based on a viable business plan;
• Entrepreneurs who have started their own business within the last 3 years.
The business can be in any sector.
As a prospective new entrepreneur, you must also meet the following criteria:
• Be a permanent resident in one of the listed African countries;
• Have a concrete project or business idea, reflected in a business plan;
• Clearly demonstrate your motivation and commitment to engage in a working relationship with an experienced entrepreneur from USA;
• Be prepared to contribute to the development of the host entrepreneur's business and make available your skills and competences;
• Be ready to raise additional funds to cover the costs of the stay abroad if these exceed the Provided Funding.
• Be ready to pay a minimum fee for your application form.

Active participation in the IBA Young Entrepreneurs programme offers aspiring new entrepreneurs the chance to experience a wide range of benefits:
• Up to six weeks stay with a successful and experienced entrepreneur in USA to gain relevant business start-up knowledge in a wide range of areas such as marketing, financial accounting, customer relations, business finance etc. ;
• Practical and financial assistance such as issuing contracts, induction courses before the exchange, logistical and local support during the stay, and a grant covering the travel and subsistence costs during the stay abroad;
• Membership of an international business Academy network of successful entrepreneurs;
• Possible opportunities for collaboration and the development of cross-border business co-operation;
• Insights into different cultural and organisational settings and how companies function in different countries;
• Improved language skills;
• Understanding the regulatory framework in another country.