Youth Business International (YBI) is an international network of programs that help disadvantaged young people to become entrepreneurs by providing business mentoring and funds.

Part of The Prince of Wales Charities, the YBI network comprises 38 locally based, independent initiatives that adopt a proprietary model to meet national needs and conditions. Each local program operates on three common principles: they support young people, typically aged between 18-30, who have a good business idea but who cannot obtain help elsewhere; they provide access to start-up funds in the form of a loan without the need for guarantees or collateral; and they provide the young entrepreneur with a volunteer business mentor and access to business networks.

To date, the network has helped to start over 90,000 successful new businesses which in turn have provided employment to hundreds of thousands of others.

In 2008 Althea helped YBI establish its U.S. presence and provided the financial support necessary to ensure long term success.

http://www.youthbusinessamerica.org/