Young entrepreneurs offered aid

The Allan Houston Legacy Foundation, Citigroup/Smith Barney and Lenovo have partnered with the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship and the Harlem YMCA, with additional support from the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, to bring young entrepreneurship programs to Harlem and New Orleans.

Designed for young adults ages 18 to 25, the program is a free 24-week intensive training program that consists of twice-weekly evening courses, which will be held at the Dryades YMCA. As many as 25 participants will be selected in New Orleans. The objective is to develop knowledgeable and enterprise-ready entrepreneurs within the community. Each participant is given the tools, resources and guidance needed to build a successful business plan.

At the end of the educational and instruction stage, two entrepreneurs will be chosen to enter the Allan Houston/Lenovo Small Business Incubator to receive another year of support, including free office space, a team of advisers to help guide the implementation of their business plans, and up to $20,000 in start-up capital.

The program is accepting applications through Nov. 19, and classes are set to begin in January. For information or to apply, visit www.AllanHoustonFoundation.org.

Those interested in supporting the program through sponsorship, partnership or mentoring may call 1 (800) 806-8647, ext. 5.