The One-Week Business Immersion Program in New York City
Sample Program
Choose the track that fits your background or interests and explore what a week in New York looks like from the inside.
* The sample program above is indicative only. The official schedule — including confirmed speakers, company visits, and event locations — is shared with accepted Fellows before the cohort begins and may vary based on availability and logistics.
Stats and Data About NYC:
<5%
acceptance rate
We Are Selective Because The City Demands It.
Every cohort is small by design. We review every application personally and only extend admission to candidates whose profile, ambition, and intent genuinely fit. Being admitted means something, and so does every person you spend the week with.
Apply and find out if you qualify →Get fast-tracked into the city that never sleeps.
What Fellows Say
Real People. Real Impact.
"Less than a year after Silicon Valley, where I learned how things get built, NYC taught me how they get sold, told and remembered."
"The relationships I built and the insights I gained will continue to shape my personal and professional growth."
"The New York Business Fellowship taught me so much professionally, but more importantly, it gave me friendships and memories that I will cherish forever."
"I had my ideas and vision affirmed from the highest caliber of talent in one of the most competitive cities in the world."
One Unforgettable Week.
đź’¬ Mentor Sessions
Access private sessions with business leaders, managers, founders and executives working in New York City.
🏢 Company Visits
Step inside renowned New York-based companies typically closed to the public and gain unique insights.
🛠️ Workshops
Participate in hands-on sessions to build practical business skills and learn from experts.
🏆 Business Competition
Work in teams to develop and pitch business ideas, gaining feedback from real investors and professionals.
🤝 Networking Events
Expand your network at curated events with other peers, mentors, and industry leaders.
đź‘Ą Community Access
Join a unique community of Fellows and mentors, supporting your growth during and after the NYBF.
Application Process
Our selective application process is built to recognize ambitious and talented individuals ready to make the most of the program.
Apply
Fill out the application form detailing your info, background and why you want to join.
Interview
Selected candidates will be invited to a 20-minute video interview with the founders.
Admission
Receive your acceptance and confirm your spot to secure your place in the cohort.
Preparation
Get access to pre-program materials and connect with your cohort before arrival in NYC.
Frequently Asked Questions
New York is a very competitive and selective city, and so are we with our Fellows. We evaluate applicants based on their professional and academic achievements, “can do” mindset, and potential to contribute to and benefit from the program. We aim to build diverse cohorts representing people from various backgrounds, industries, and nationalities.
Our workshops are interactive, hands-on sessions led by experts and designed to cultivate essential professional skills. They may vary from cohort to cohort, covering a wide range of topics (networking, public speaking, customer discovery, etc.) and industries to enhance your overall growth.Â
The New York Business Fellowship is a one-week, in-person business immersion in New York City. It is intentionally designed so that both students and professionals can participate without having to miss more than 5 days of school or work. Our goal is to create opportunities that are respectful of your existing commitments.
Yes. After acceptance, many participants explore external funding options, including:
• Crowdfunding platforms;
• University grants or stipends;
• Employer support or professional development budgets offered by some companies;
Additionally, you may apply for the Future Forward Fund by 521 Global, our private financial aid initiative. This may cover partial or full airfare, accommodation, or part of the program fee. Awards are granted on both a need- and merit-based basis.
We encourage applicants to consider all or a mix of these avenues.
After all participants are selected, they’ll be invited to attend a pre-program webinar where a lot of preparation tips and information will be disclosed to help maximize the experience and arrive fully prepared!
The New York Business Fellowship is a paid program. Fee details are shared with candidates once they book their interview. After admission, a $300 down payment secures your spot for 12 months so you can join across any cohort. Prices you may see on other websites or older posts are not current.
Yes. NYBF is run by its founders, Giovanni Gallina and Carlos Tacchetto, through 521 Global LLC, a company registered in New York. Fellows have come from Italy, France, Greece, Austria, Hungary, Morocco, Venezuela, Costa Rica and the US. The program has been featured in several media outlets, and you can read alumni stories on this page and on LinkedIn.
No, having a business idea is not a requirement. The Fellowship welcomes entrepreneurs at various stages, professionals exploring innovation, and students seeking to expand their horizons. Many Fellows may use the program to refine existing ideas or find inspiration for new ventures through the connections they make.
The program covers the full experience in New York: mentor sessions, company visits, workshops, curated networking events, one meal per day, a Certificate of Completion and lifelong access to the alumni community. Flights and accommodation are not included.
Absolutely! All Fellows gain lifelong access to our rich alumni network. This includes an online community platform, regular events, and ongoing connections to our mentors network, fostering enduring professional and personal relationships long after the program concludes.
No. Accommodation and flights are not included, and we don’t offer accommodation packages. Once you’re admitted, we’re happy to connect you with other admitted Fellows so you can book together.
Yes, upon full attendance and active participation, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion, that you can showcase on your Social Media Profiles as well as your CV/Resume.
No. NYBF is a one-week business immersion, not an internship, a job placement, an accelerator or a coding bootcamp. It’s built for ambitious students, founders and young professionals, many from outside the US, who want real exposure to New York’s business world and a network there in one week. Many Fellows see it as a short, practical alternative to an MBA or executive program.
Yes. Most of our Fellows travel to New York from abroad. Recent cohorts have included participants from Italy, France, Greece, Austria, Hungary, Morocco, Venezuela, Costa Rica and the US. The program runs in English and is open to talented students, founders and young professionals, typically aged 20 to 35. Fellows arrange their own travel, and once you’re admitted we share practical tips to help you plan your trip.