Deadline: 26 August 2011
New U: News Entrepreneurs Working Through UNITY is a competitive program for journalists of color who want to become entrepreneurs. Funded by The Ford Foundation, the New U Fellowship supports and helps grow the creative ideas of participants through a national “startup camp” which will be held October 17-19, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. In addition to offering a unique formula based in training and one-on-one mentoring, the program includes a competition for four (4) fellows to win $10,000 each in start-up funding to help realize their entrepreneurial ideas.
APPLICATION CRITERIA:
* You must be a member in good standing with AAJA, NAHJ or NAJA to apply for the 15 slots reserved for UNITY alliance partners.
* Journalists of Color who are not members of the above organizations may apply to the 5 available slots.
* Please be clear and concise.
* Take your time. Think about how you want your idea to be read.
* You may only apply once.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What type of entrepreneurial ventures are you looking for?
We are open to a variety of ideas that can reasonably be related to news media and/or communications industries.
What is considered an established entrepreneurial venture?
We are aware that the majority of startups fail in the first five years of operation; as such, we require you to show an average of 12 months in development and operation when you apply.
When will the winner be notified?
Fellows will be announced at the beginning of September 2011.
What if I am not a member of any of the UNITY alliance organizations? Can I still apply?
Yes. Five (5) of the twenty (20) fellowships are open to journalists of color regardless of affiliation.
Who makes up the selection committee?
The New U co-directors Doug Mitchell and Alli Joseph, alongside successful media and other business entrepreneurs.
Can I apply if I have no employees?
Yes. You can run a company as a sole proprietor, but you must be able to demonstrate vendor relationships or strategic partnerships.
Can I apply even if my business has not shown a profit?
Yes. We realize given the economy/recession, it is especially difficult for small businesses to show a profit within the first few years. However, your financial projections should show the potential for growth and sustainability in the longer term.
Click here to apply.
Questions? Contact program directors Doug Mitchell and Alli Joseph with questions or to express interest in New U 2011.
Contact Information:
For inquiries: dmitchell@unityjournalists.org or ajoseph@unityjournalists.org
For submissions: apply here
Website: http://unityjournalists.org