TIC Americas 2008 – Register your team until March 1st.
Talent and Innovation Competition of the Americas

The Young Americas Business Trust (YABT) officially launched the 2008 edition of the Talent and Innovation Competition of the Americas, (TIC Americas) on November 15, 2007. TIC Americas presents awards as an international business plan competition and accelerator for young entrepreneurs.

Mr. Roy Thomasson, CEO of YABT explains the initiative stating: “TIC Americas means opportunity for young entrepreneurs.  Everyone who participates will be a winner in terms of the benefits they will gain from the experience.”

Open to young entrepreneurs under 35 years old, from the OAS Member State countries in the Americas and the international community, TIC Americas has five priority areas including: environment, agribusiness, trade, tourism and technology. The program goes beyond a simple business plan competition and includes the additional focus on extensive training, mentoring, networking, and a prototype to test market feasibility.  TIC Americas winners will also be nominated to participate at the Global TIC Award and Forum.

The competition will be held in two stages starting with an on-line semi-final phase.  The finals will be on-site in Colombia in May 29, 2008, following with an international conference on Intellectual Property. The finals phase will be held prior to the XXXVIII General Assembly of the Organization of American States. The deadline for the registration of the teams is on February 1, 2008.  

Seven prizes will be awarded in the following categories: Creative Design, Tradition and Culture, E-business, Spirit of Entrepreneurship, New Markets, Social Entrepreneurship, and International Alliance, which is a prize for teams composed by members of regions outside the Americas.  Prizes will include monetary rewards, training and networking opportunities, as well as the nomination to participate in Global TiC Award and Forum.
The Young Americas Business Trust (YABT) is a non-profit corporation working in cooperation with the General Secretariat of the Organization of American States (OAS). YABT acts as a catalyst to spur the development of young entrepreneurs through business training, partnerships, leadership and technology. As a strategic alliance with the private sector and donors to increase resources for young people in the America, YABT relies on technical and financial contributions to support its work.
If you are interested in being a sponsor for TIC Americas, please contact Nahuel Velazquez at nvelazquez@oas.org or Rafael Pinto at rpinto@oas.org.

 
For more information, contact:
Yerutí Méndez: ymendez@oas.org; 202 458-3512
Register your team at: www.ticamericas.net