New York Global Entrepreneurs Program - Request for Application
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Program Overview
The New York Global Entrepreneurs Program (NYGEP) aims to attract and retain highly trained immigrant founders to launch innovative startups in New York instead of taking their skills and knowledge elsewhere due to limitations on visa availability. The creation of new opportunities to retain and attract foreign entrepreneurs in New York will boost the innovation economy, create jobs, and bolster the status of New York’s research universities.
NYGEP provides grants to support universities and affiliated not-for-profits (the “grantees,”) to establish or expand Global Entrepreneurs in Residence Programs, as described in this section. These programs will provide valuable, relevant part-time work opportunities as well as guidance, mentorship, and other support services, such as access to operating space, to immigrant founders (the “founders”) while they establish and grow their new business ventures in New York.
In order to support immigrant founders and participate in NYGEP, the grantees, as H-1B visa cap-exempt employers or affiliate not-for-profits, are expected to file a cap-exempt H-1B visa petition for each participating founder in their respective program. As sponsored employees, the founders will work for the grantees to share their experience and expertise with students and venture communities as defined and determined by the grantee. The H-1B visa – secured by the cap-exempt grantees – will enable the founders to grow their new business in New York and benefit university programming, including New York State supported assets such as incubators and hot spots.
Founders supported by the NYGEP program are expected to maintain their business operations in New York for no fewer than three years following completion of the program. Participating founders are also expected to apply for a concurrent visa through their new business while engaged in part-time work by the grantee as authorized under the cap exempt H-1B visa.
Questions
All questions, comments, requests for clarification or any other communication regarding this RFA must be submitted by email to nygep@esd.ny.gov no later October 17, 2025. Your subject line should state: “[Name of Applicant] – RFA Inquiry, New York State Global Entrepreneurs Program”.