ACE Louisiana Application Form

Dear Applicant,

The State of Louisiana is Open for Business and Ready to Partner with YOU.

Louisiana is preparing to receive the next cohort of ACE Global and Regional Leaders. The 1-week immersion program will feature New Orleans, Acadia, Lafayette and Baton Rouge in the State of Louisiana, from March 26 to April 1, 2022.

ACE is offered by the Organization of American States (OAS) as the Inter-American Competitiveness Network (RIAC) Technical Secretariat, with support from the Government of the United States, through the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Department of State/Permanent Mission of the United States to the OAS.During a week-long program, top decision-makers from the public, private, and academic sectors, as well as NGOs will learn from Louisiana’s successful models and strategies to advance business development, trade, investment, and partnership opportunities.

Over 30 sites in Louisiana from New Orleans, Lafayette and South Louisiana, and Baton Rouge will present outstanding opportunities for economic collaboration, diverse range of projects, strategic investments, public-private partnerships, and best practices from Louisiana’s economic, innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. Participants will move by bus from city to city and site to site, taking in the unique ecosystems that Louisiana has to offer. The ACE Committee welcomes applications from public, private, and academic sector leaders, entrepreneurs, women and other underrepresented groups.

The program strives for geographical, sectorial and gender balance, when possible. Applications from underrepresented and diverse groups are highly encouraged.

The enhancement of economic inclusion will be at the core of the program. Requirements to apply:

Have a professional and academic background that facilitates inter- and intra-country development; such as foreign direct investment, trade, exports, supply chain linkages, shared technology, etc.
Be able to allocate resources, propose and adopt critical policies, and possess the necessary connections to make identified priorities and actions possible within their country and in collaboration with other countries.
English fluency. All activities of ACE Louisiana will be carried out only in English.
Have a valid visa (if necessary) to enter the United States and be able to provide visa, passport, photo, and other necessary information to complete travel procedures.
Ability to participate in the entire week-long ACE program. Partial participation is not allowed.
Ability to cover the cost of airfare and hotel accommodation is an essential point of consideration for the ACE Selection Committee. Limited financial support is available for specific requests presented to the ACE Committee for consideration.
Proof of health insurance coverage for the duration of the program.

Who is invited to apply?

Ambassadors / Diplomat-rank officials, and High-Level Representatives
Trade & Investment OfficersCEOs or High-Level Private Sector Representatives
Academic and Researchers
Directors of Innovation
Economic Development LeadersInternational Officials (multilateral organizations)
Top Entrepreneurs

Early bird applications will be given priority consideration.