Hitachi Foundation Announces Yoshiyama Young Entrepreneur Award

[Announcement from he-sl listserv]

The Hitachi Foundation recently launched its search for young entrepreneurs across the country who are making a living and making a difference in their communities – and we’re hoping you can help us spread the word.

In its third year, the Yoshiyama Young Entrepreneur Program provides financial and business support for up to five entrepreneurs whose businesses improve the lives of low-income individuals. This could result in anything from creating quality jobs, producing new products and services or devising management strategies that propel the business and people forward. The selected entrepreneurs receive $40,000 over two years, along with leadership development, business mentoring, technical assistance and access to a network of peers and advisers.

The first round application deadline is March 30, 2012.

Previous winning entrepreneurs have run businesses that focus on everything from mentoring youth in struggling school districts and painting blighted buildings to providing micro-loans for start up businesses and converting waste from coffee grounds to into quality crops and good jobs.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please email yoshiprogram@hitachifoundation.org or visit www.hitachifoundation.org/our-work/yoshiyama-young-entrepreneurs-program.

Sincerely,

SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS

Twitter

•             Young #entrepreneurs that make money & improve lives: apply for @YoshiProgram $40K prize! Apps due 3/30 http://bit.ly/yzbUiC #socent

•             Calling young #entrepreneurs whose business creates economic & social benefit. $40K prize! Apps due 3/30 http://bit.ly/yzbUiC #socent

•        Young #entrepreneurs improving US communities: apply for @YoshiProgram $40K prize! Apps due 3/30 http://bit.ly/yzbUiC #socent

Facebook

•             The Hitachi Foundation’s Yoshiyama Young Entrepreneurs Program just opened its 2012 application process. Did you start your business before the age of 30, is it 1-5 years old, and are you interested in lifting people out of poverty? If so, it’s easy to apply for the program! http://bit.ly/xE1dlc

Elson B. Nash

Acting Director of Strategic Partnerships

The Corporation for National and Community Service

202-606-6834

enash@cns.gov

www.nationalservice.gov