Entering its ninth year, the EYE program provides young entrepreneurs of color with the skills and relationships needed to take their businesses to the next level.
NMSDC is excited to announce that applications for the 2025 cohort of the Emerging Young Entrepreneurs (EYE) program are now open. EYE is a nine-month program uniquely designed to provide the next generation of minority entrepreneur participants with support to enhance their growing business. EYE members receive guidance from corporate sponsors, MBEs, and additional stakeholders. The program utilizes an interactive pre- and post-conference (NMSDC Annual Conference & Exchange) curriculum along with five days of hands-on training and practical application.
- Participants are provided with the skills, tools, and strategies to start or grow their innovative businesses. Applicants must fulfill the following criteria to qualify for the program:
- Must be between the ages of 19-35.
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must own a business that is at least 51% minority-owned, managed, and controlled.
- Must own a business that is a for-profit enterprise and physically located in the U.S. or its territories.
- Must own a business that is managed and operated by the minority ownership member(s).
- Must be able to provide at least one year of general operating revenue.
Individuals interested in applying for this year’s cohort can apply on the NMSDC website. Applications are due Jan. 29
Are you a corporate member that’s interested in helping support this year’s program? There are a couple of ways you can get involved with this year’s EYE program.
Consider mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Each program participant will be matched with a corporate mentor to help guide them through the program, inspire them to take the next step and help them shape the future of their growth. Sign up here to become a mentor
Consider sponsoring the 2025 cohort.
NMSDC programs are only possible through the generous support of our members, partners, and donors. We will promote your company as you lift up the next generation of entrepreneurs. Learn more about NMSDC sponsorship opportunities here.
For more information, contact NMSDC strategic alliances and program manager Brand Wiggins at brandi.wiggins@nmsdc.org.
About NMSDC
Founded in 1972, NMSDC is the longest-operating business growth engine for the broadest group of systematically excluded communities of color (Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic, and Native American), and our impact goes far beyond the supply chain. It’s about upward mobility for the emerging majority of Americans, an equal shot at participating in the American experiment of free-market capitalism and entrepreneurship. Our work is about correcting the unequal access to wealth-building opportunities. For more information, please visit nmsdc.org.
