Allan Houston Business Education & Development Program and the Lenovo Small Business Incubator "Due to the economic challenges faced by all at this point, the Business Education & Development Program has decided to postpone the launching of Harlem III and Chicago I until further notice. The Allan Houston Legacy Foundation has every intention of fulfilling it's mission of empowering the lives of young adults through entrepreneurship. With that, it has been decided that we will not be able to implement the next round of programs until 2009. All applicants will be contacted and called-in for interviews once the financial standing of the programs have been solidified and definitive start dates have been determined. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused, yet, we are fully committed to continuing our mission of empowering the lives of young adults through entrepreneurship." Harlem III September 2008 - February 2009 Application Deadline: TBD (To be determined) New Orleans II September 2008 - February 2009 Application Deadline: Saterday, October 4, 2008 Chicago I October 2008 - March 2009 Application Deadline: TBD (To be determined) The Allan Houston Legacy Foundation, Lenovo and Citigroup / Smith Barney in partnership with the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) have joined forces to develop a cutting-edge program in business education and development. Aspiring entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 25 will be provided with education, instruction and mentoring to become successful business owners/operators through the Allan Houston Business Education & Development Program. Following the completion of the instructional and mentoring portion, two businesses will be selected to receive an additional year of launch support through the Allan Houston / Lenovo Small Business Incubator. Education - Twice weekly instruction for two hours each evening with course instructors, guest speakers, field trips, small group work, and other business/community asset exploratory activities. Participants will learn each aspect of successful entrepreneurship and will build their understanding of the business fundamentals to be applied in their ventures. Mentoring – Each participant will be paired with a mentor who is either experienced in the industry of the participant’s business or possesses particular knowledge that is useful to the participant’s development. These mentors help guide the entrepreneur through key challenge areas in preparing to launch their business. Business Plan Writing - Participants will learn advanced techniques in business plan writing and will be required to complete and present a fully developed business plan to graduate the program. The participant-entrepreneurs who not only demonstrate excellence in planning their businesses but also exemplify the skills and commitment necessary for entrepreneurial success will become eligible to compete for participation in the Incubator Program. The Lenovo Small Business Incubator consists of a full year of additional launch support that includes: - Pre-paid office space for one year - Team of advisors to help guide the implementation of the Business Plan - $18,000 to $20,000 in initial Start-Up Capital - Lenovo PC Computers - Access to additional small business loans and grants All graduates will receive the knowledge needed to advance themselves in business and entrepreneurship, ongoing alumni support from the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship, and access to the support services of local economic empowerment organizations. Eligibility Requirements To be eligible for this program, you must: Be 18–25 years old (At least 18 years old by start of program) Hold a high school diploma, GED or equivalent Have a strong business concept and/or initial plan for creating a business Reside in local or surrounding area Commit to attending the entire five month program with two evening classes per week Current application deadlines are as follows: Harlem III - Application Deadline: Sunday, September 28, 2008 New Orleans II - Saterday, October 4, 2008 Chicago I - Application Deadline: Sunday, September 28, 2008 Note: Early applications are encouraged since space is limited. Application Instructions 1. Please complete each section of the entire online application and neatly enter the information required in each data entry field. Incomplete applications will not be considered. This application is accessible following the “Click Here To Apply Online” link below. 2. Please include a resume highlighting your education, work and/or volunteer experiences. 3. Please have an adult who knows you in a professional, academic or volunteer context complete the Recommendation Form (accessible using the “Recommendation Form” link below). This form must be placed in an envelope and sealed by the person making the recommendation. The recommender’s signature then must be written across the seal and mail it to the appropriate address listed below. 4. All applicants must also complete a Media Permission Form (accessible using the “Media Permission Form” link below). This form must be signed by the applicant, placed in an envelope and mailed to the appropriate address listed below. 5. All applications must be received by the deadlines indicated above. Early applications are encouraged since space is limited. Strong candidates can expect to attend an interview sometime between the application deadline and the start of the program. The selection committee will make final determinations after interviewing each candidate and will notify applicants by e-mail and/or telephone. Mailed forms should be sent to: Harlem III Allan Houston Legacy Foundation Attn: Trevor Jaha c/o Harlem YMCA 180 W135th St. New York, NY 10030 New Orleans II Allan Houston Legacy Foundation Attn: Roderick Eugene c/o Good Work Network 1824 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd New Orleans, LA 70113 Chicago I Allan Houston Legacy Foundation Attn: Trevor Jaha c/o Harlem YMCA 180 W135th St. New York, NY 10030 Fax: (800) 845-2586 Email:BEDP@AllanHouston.Com Or Click Here to Apply Online Download "Recommendation Form" and "Media Permission form" (.PDF)