1. What is the YES! Program?

The Young Entrepreneur Success (YES!) Program is a 12-week entrepreneurship program designed to empower youth aged 16-22 to develop and launch their business ideas. Participants receive one-on-one mentorship, attend weekly workshops, and engage in peer group sessions. The program culminates in a pitch event, where participants have the chance to present their business to a panel of judges and compete for seed funding to grow their ventures.

2. Who can participate in the YES! Program?

The YES! Program is open to youth aged 16-22 from around the world. Younger participants (13+) are also eligible if they have an active business. We run multiple cohorts globally, each aligned to different time zones, but this specific cohort is led by our US team and is best suited for participants from the Americas. If you are interested in joining a different cohort, your application will be shared with our global partners to be considered for a time zone-appropriate cohort.

3. What is the time commitment?

The program runs for 12 weeks, with an expected commitment of 4-6 hours per week. This includes a two-hour live workshop every week, a one-hour mentor meeting, and additional time to complete assignments and work on your business plan. It is essential for at least one member of each team to attend every workshop and mentor session.

4. What is the structure of the YES! Program?

The program is designed to guide participants through every stage of building a business, from refining their idea to pitching to investors. It includes:

• Weekly Workshops: Interactive sessions on key topics such as business planning, market research, finance, and pitching.
• One-on-One Mentorship: Personalized guidance from experienced entrepreneurs and business professionals to help refine business plans and pitches.
• Self-Paced Curriculum: Participants gain access to a self-paced curriculum that covers the foundational elements of building a business. This allows them to work on their business plans, refine their strategies, and revisit key concepts at their own pace.
• Peer Group Sessions: Opportunities to network, share feedback, and build connections with fellow young entrepreneurs.

5. Is there a cost to participate?

No, the YES! Program is offered at no cost to participants, as we are committed to making entrepreneurship education accessible to youth worldwide.

6. How do I apply?

Visit bizworld.org/yes and look for the "Apply Now" button. A pitch video outlining your business idea is required for your application to be considered complete. International applicants can use this same application form, but your submission will be reviewed and shared with our global cohort partners for consideration in time zone-appropriate programs.

7. What happens after I apply?

Once accepted, participants will receive a welcome packet with program details, including access to our learning platform, the full schedule, and their assigned mentor. Participants will then be onboarded and begin their journey through the structured 12-week curriculum.

8. What should I expect on Pitch Day?

On Pitch Day, participants present their refined business plans to a panel of judges and engage in a Q&A session. Judges evaluate pitches based on creativity, business potential, and presentation skills. The top businesses are then selected to move on to Demo Day.

9. What is Demo Day?

Demo Day is the final showcase, where the top businesses from each cohort pitch their ventures to a panel of venture capitalists for a chance to secure up to $30,000 in seed funding. Multiple businesses may receive funding, and the amount is distributed based on the strength and viability of each pitch.

10. What happens if a team cannot attend a workshop or meeting?

If a team member cannot attend a workshop or mentor meeting, it is important to notify the YES! Program team as soon as possible. While other team members can cover for occasional absences, missing multiple sessions may affect your standing in the program and your eligibility to participate in Demo Day.

11. How is progress evaluated during the program?

Participants are evaluated on several criteria:

• Business Plan Quality: 45%
• Attendance at Workshops and Mentor Meetings: 20%
• Pitch Presentation: 30%
• Audience Vote on Pitch Day: 5%

12. What happens after the YES! Program ends?

Graduates join our exclusive YES! Alumni Network, where they can access additional resources, mentorship, and opportunities to connect with other young entrepreneurs and industry leaders. The network serves as a platform for continued growth and collaboration beyond the program.