A PROJECT FUNDED BY CITIZENS DIPLOMACY ACTION FUND 2026 (CDAF)
Grow your business, preserve the value for generations.
BOLD Academy is a three-day training program for business owners in Colombia that are U.S. Exchange Alumni. You learn practical tools to create value from your business and make it last in the long-term. Teachers come from the United States and Colombia.
50
Business owners in Bogotá and Cali
In alliance with
Working together to grow
BOLD means Business Opportunity and Leadership Development. It is a program between the United States and Colombia. The goal is simple: help Colombian business owners run stronger businesses, and grow in a way that lasts.
U.S. and Colombian business leaders teach short, practical workshops. You practise real tools, not only theory. You also learn how to use new technology and artificial intelligence to improve your business.
There will be 2 groups, 25 business leaders in Cali and 25 in Bogotá. The program will be focused on business owners from underserve communities, such as Afro-Colombians, because these entrepreneurs have had fewer chances to join international programs, and we want to change that. However, the invite is open to everybody.
BOLD Academy is a project funded by the Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund 2026 (CDAF). It was one of projects chosen from 231 applications around the world. The project runs from September to December 2026, and the results will be shared at a virtual CDAF showcase in January 2027.
Three things you take home
Build five forms of Wealth
Go beyond financial success. Strengthen the five forms of wealth that support lasting businesses: financial, intellectual, knowledge, relational, and spiritual wealth.
Practical tools, not just theory
Work with unique, hands-on tools and frameworks that go beyond what is traditionally taught in business programs—and apply them directly to your company, decisions, relationships, and future.
Build a business that transcends
Don’t just build a successful business today. Learn how to create long-term value that can outlive its founder, strengthen the family behind it, and grow from one generation to the next.
Three days, step by step
Each day focuses on a different form of wealth and business growth. Innovation, technology, and AI are integrated throughout the entire experience.
Strategic Mindset & Knowledge Development
Explore how your purpose, vision, mindset, and knowledge influence your decisions and create new opportunities for growth.
- Make better strategic decisions
- Connect purpose and vision with business growth
- Turn knowledge and experience into business assets
- Adapt and identify new opportunities
Business Foundations & Financial Growth
Work on your value proposition, revenue streams, and financial decisions while learning how to turn your skills, knowledge, and experience into valuable assets.
- Strengthen your value proposition
- Identify sustainable revenue streams
- Make better financial decisions
- Turn your knowledge and skills into income
Leadership, Partnerships & Market Positioning
Learn how to create strategic partnerships, strengthen your positioning, access new opportunities, and build a business that creates value over time.
- Build strategic relationships and partnerships
- Strengthen your leadership capacity
- Position your business for new opportunities and markets
- Plan for long-term growth and legacy
Four parts, one program
BOLD Academy is more than three days in a room. It starts before the workshop and continues after it.
3-day in-person workshop
More than 10 practical tools and applied AI training to make your business stronger and grow your leadership, vision and legacy.
Business check before and after
We use the BBM Legacy Capital Index. You get a personal diagnosis of your business and a clear action plan.
3 virtual meetings with U.S. business leaders
American business owners share their experience on mindset, money, leadership and market positioning.
Networking, online and in person
You meet U.S. business leaders and other institutions, and open the door to new business opportunities.
The plan from September to December 2026
SEPTEMBER 28-OCTOBER 5
Applications are open
Pre-selection, interviews and final selection
Commitment agreement and business assessment
October 8
Virtual kick-off
October 15 & 29, November 12
3 virtual meetings with U.S. business leaders
November 18 – 20
3-day workshop in Bogotá
November 23 – 25
3-day workshop in Cali
December 10
Virtual closing
For owners of small and medium businesses
BOLD Academy is for people who already run a business in Colombia and want it to grow. You do not need a university degree. You need a real business and time to attend the three days.
You are a good fit if
- You lead a small or medium business with at least two years (desirable) of operations, generates income and has room to grow
- You are an alumnus of a U.S. Government exchange program and speak English at A2 level or higher (desirable)
- You want to grow as a business leader, especially if you come from an underserved community
- You want to build long-term value woth your business for your family, your community and the next generations
Afro-Colombian business owners
We want this program to be open to everyone, however, applications from Afro-descendant business leaders gets priority. If this is you, please apply.
Alumni of U.S. programs come first
If you took part in a U.S. Government exchange program — for example YLAI or AWE — your application gets priority. Other business owners are welcome too.
What changes for your business
80%
of participants feel more confident making business decisions after the program
75%
are able to use the new tools and ideas inside their own business
70%
of alumni combine what they learned in their U.S. prgrams with what they learn at BOLD Academy
Three organizations, one alliance
BOLD Academy is possible thanks to Black Business Management Group and Concept Creative Group and the alliance made with Centro Colombo Americano (American Space), our supporting organization in Colombia.
Centro Colombo Americano
Lead implementing organization in Colombia
Centro Colombo Americano is our lead organization in Colombia. As an American Space, it supports the program in Bogotá and Cali with venue space, outreach channels, and access to its community of students and exchange alumni.
Black Business Management Group
Program design and delivery
BBMG, founded by Diana A. Buenaños Mena, builds and runs the training. The team works with business owners in Colombia and the United States.
Concept Creative Group
Curriculum and U.S. leadership
Concept Creative Group, founded by Dr. LaTanya White, brings the U.S. teaching experience and the tools used in each of the three days.
Two countries, one team
Dr. LaTanya White
U.S. Team Leader · Fulbright Specialist
Dr. White is the founder of Concept Creative Group. She has a Ph.D. in Leadership and Change and many years of experience building business courses and working with universities, government programs and company owners.
Diana A. Buenaños Mena
Team leader in Colombia · YLAI & LLOD Alumna
Diana is the founder of Black Business Management Group. She is a business leader and lawyer with more than ten years of experience leading entrepreneurial and business projects in Latin America and the United States. She is an alumna of YLAI and Leaders Lead On-Demand.
Ready to join BOLD Academy?
Applications are open from September 28 to October 5, 2026. Please fill in the form below. It takes about five minutes. Alumni of U.S. exchange programs (YLAI, AWE and others) are chosen first.
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