Are you an early-stage news organization creating original digital content? Google News Initiative calls applications for GNI Startups Lab Europe. GNI, Media Lab, and the EJC have built a six-month program specifically tailored to the needs of content startups in Europe.

Summary 

The Google News Initiative Startups Lab Europe aims to help journalistic startups better understand their audiences, create higher quality content (text, audio and/or video) and navigate the pitfalls of monetization. At the end of the programme, you will have improved your capabilities to sustainably provide your audience with high-quality journalism.

• Journalism first: A program designed for those who bring great stories, breakthrough reporting, and valuable services to their communities.
• In partnership with the GNI, we make sure all participants have access to a budget to fund revenue-generating experiments.
• Great coaches help you get to where you should be – with advice tailored exactly to your needs.
• Available to early-stage news organizations all over Europe.
• A huge international network of mentors, experts, and talent.

Program Phases

Google News Initiative Startups Lab Europe has the three phases

• The Product Development Phase starts in November and continues until the end of December. You will learn how to develop your customer base further, how to refine your content strategy, and how to utilize some basic innovation methods.
• The Growth & Marketing Phase in January and February 2022 will support you in matters such as Visibility, Ad Sales, and Leadership.
• The final Business & Sustainability Phase in March and April 2022 will help you grow your startup to the next level by working with you on topics such as Recruiting, Finance, and Investment.

Benefits 

Participants will benefit from Media Lab’s experience in supporting media startups and from EJC’s extensive European network and active community: there will be workshops, coaching, and high-profile networking opportunities. Additionally, as a participant you will get access to up to € 25,000 in grants for running revenue-generating experiments, should you need it.

Eligible Regions

Startups from the following European countries are eligible for Google News Initiative Startups Lab Europe

European countries: Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom

Focus Areas

• Public interest journalism
• Closing an information gap
• Serving a geographic-bound or single subject community
• Serving an underserved community
• Exploring new ways to deliver and/or monetize information

Additional Requirements

• Independently owned and operated.
• Produce original content that is primarily available on a digital platform(s).
• Have been operating for at least six months.
• Earn less than $ 500,000 per year in gross revenue.
• Can demonstrate some successes on the path to sustainability. Examples include increased site visits, a growing membership program, or increased earned revenue.

Apply Now

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