To accomplish these goals, the Young Americas Business Trust creates a framework for governments and the private sector to jointly sponsor business development programs that are efficient, accountable, and successfully-managed. Building on existing efforts will enable it to identify and replicate successful models. The value of this approach lies in its aim not to create duplication but to make successful training and support programs more effective and accessible.

Key strategic steps include:

1. Creating political / regulatory environments conducive to business growth by highlighting the importance of a well-trained and enterprising labor force as a public policy priority for private sector development.
2. Training young people in business and entrepreneurial skills in programs based on proven strategies of success,
3. Using the Internet to provide informational "how-to" guides, resource links, program promotion, and other innovations,
4. Increasing the use of technology as a trade and marketing tool since countries must increasingly rely on the development of a technological infrastructure to overcome historical and other natural trade barriers.
5. Providing venture capital though privately-supported trusts that attract matching government and international funds,
6. Serving as a centralized resource for networking of existing training and support programs, and
7. Developing ongoing systems for post-start-up growth of new enterprises through business mentors.

The benefits that flow from this initiative will be shared by the investing private sector partners and the participating nations of the region. For example, benefits to corporate sponsors include:

1. The opportunity to continue to expand business interests due to a young but maturing labor market,
2. The long-term improvement and stability of the country's or region's economy and world standing, thus improving the relative investment environment,
3. The enhancement of business expansion opportunities through technology since trade now depends heavily on electronic access,
4. Consumer loyalty to the corporate partner's products and services,
5. Favorable public relations though identification as a good corporate citizen,
6. A well-trained local labor force for employee recruitment, and
7. Stronger alliances with the OAS, other multi-national companies, and governments.

To realize these benefits and achieve these goals, the Young Americas Business Trust requests both technical and financial support from the corporate community doing business in the region. We hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to participate in the economic growth of the Greater Caribbean and the Americas.

For more information about how your company can participate in the Young Americas Business Trust, click here.