Voices

2016 EY Vantage Program sees 28 professionals help entrepreneurs overseas

EY announced on Monday that their annualEY Vantage program- which sees some of the firm's top professionals travel abroad to aid entrepreneurs at no fee - has concluded for the year.

Twenty-eight EY professionals donated over 6,700 hours of service this year - a figure equivalent to over $2.5 million in services - to help entrepreneurs in developing economies.

Now in its 12thyear, the EY Vantage program has seen a total of 147 advisors from EY Americas member firms collaborate with 145 entrepreneurs. The program works in collaboration withEndeavor Global, a non-profit organization that helps in mentoring entrepreneurs around the world. 

“Since its inception, EY Vantage has made a positive impact for the entrepreneurs we have supported, as well as for the up-and-coming EY leaders who have taken part in the program,” stated Deborah Holmes, EY Americas Director of Corporate Responsibility. “Our hope is that EY Vantage can serve as a catalyst for sustainable growth in countries with emerging economies where cultivating entrepreneurship can have a lasting effect on society. At the same time, we are engaging our top professionals through this transformative international experience which aims to develop leadership skills and a global mindset.”

During the program’s six-week assignments, EY professionals work on projects ranging from market expansions, internal auditing, work flow, and the development of business plans. The Advisors, in turn, get to learn firsthand about the emerging markets and industries in which they are working.

“I feel lucky to be an EY Vantage Advisor and to work for a purpose-led organization that offers skills-based, international volunteerism programs," said Rose Martin, an EY advisory manager and Vantage Program volunteer, per a statement. "Traveling to a foreign country alone to work with a high-impact entrepreneur challenged me both personally and professionally. The experience was difficult at times, and ultimately incredibly rewarding. I returned with greater confidence in my skills and leadership abilities, and have already noticed my enhanced global mindset coming into play with colleagues and clients who I encounter regularly working for a large global organization.”

Notably, the Vantage program expanded its reach at the beginning of the year to include new cities in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, and Uruguay, bringing the total number of countries served to 30.

For more on the EY Vantage program, head to EY's site here.

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